“He can never leave me now.” That’s what Paige VanZant said. Half-joking, half-serious, about the matching tattoos she and her husband, Austin Vanderford, got during a wild night in Los Angeles. While most couples settle for a romantic dinner or maybe a heartfelt note, the combat sports duo decided ink was the way to go. And for Vanderford, body art isn’t just a spontaneous decision, it’s practically a living, breathing canvas of his life, his fights, and, of course, his wife.

As Vanderford gears up for his UFC debut against Nikolay Veretennikov at UFC Fight Night 252, his tattoos tell the story of the man stepping into the cage. Each mark on his skin isn’t just ink, it’s a timeline, a tribute, or, in some cases, a hazy memory from a tequila-fueled night. But there’s something else at play here. The Gentleman has a habit of absorbing the energy and influences around him, almost like a chameleon. As VanZant once put it, if he’s training with Canadians, he’s suddenly Canadian. If he’s hanging out with Irish fighters, you’d swear he was born in Dublin. That adaptability isn’t just evident in his personality, it’s right there on his skin, with each tattoo marking a phase, a memory, or a person who left an imprint on him.

It all started with a simple tradition, getting a tattoo after every fight. It’s a commitment almost as serious as stepping into the octagon itself. Some people collect trophies; Vanderford collects ink. And his collection is as diverse as it is meaningful. Take his left sleeve, for instance. The phrase “Riders on the Storm” etched into his skin is a nod to The Doors, a song he and his college wrestling teammates would blast before matches. The inked script of the year he won nationals sits proudly alongside it, because if you don’t tattoo your own achievements, did they even happen?

But it’s not just about personal accolades. Vanderford’s ink is a family affair. His dad took him for his first tattoo at 14—a little “V Ford” on his back, setting off a lifelong addiction to the needle. And it runs in the blood, both his parents are inked up, so it was inevitable he’d follow suit.

What Does Austin Vanderford’s King of Hearts Tattoo Mean?

Some couples exchange rings, others exchange vows, but Austin Vanderford and Paige VanZant? They exchange ink. Sitting proudly on his stomach is a King of Hearts tattoo, a permanent counterpart to VanZant’s Queen of Hearts. A bold choice? Definitely. A decision made in the cold light of day? Not exactly.

“We snuck out of our Airbnb when we were in L.A. You were drunk, I was not, and I convinced you to get matching tattoos with me,” ’12 Gauge’ confessed, leaving out why she was so conveniently sober in the whole ordeal. Was it a grand romantic gesture or just another chapter in their tattoo-fueled adventures? Either way, it’s proof that in their world, love is inked, not spoken. But the King of Hearts is just one part of Vanderford’s sprawling canvas of stories. His forearm carries a dramatic showdown, Jesus facing off against a lion. Is it a symbolic clash of faith and power? A reflection of his own battles, both inside and outside the cage? Or just an image that looks undeniably badass? Either way, it feels right on the skin of a man who’s made a career out of fighting.

Then there’s the eye on his throat, the so-called “eye of the storm.” If there’s one place where Vanderford thrives, it’s in the chaos. This tattoo isn’t just for aesthetics, it’s a statement. A reminder that when everything around him is spiraling, he remains calm, centered, and ready to strike. Speaking of striking, what’s fiercer than a tiger staring down its prey? That’s exactly what’s inked on the back of his neck. If there were ever an animal that perfectly captures the essence of a fighter, cunning, powerful, relentless, it’s a tiger. No explanation needed.

His leg tells another battle story, marked by a skull wearing a Native American headdress. It was inked right after his Contender Series fight, a night that should have been his ticket to the UFC. Vanderford secured a dominant second-round submission win, but to his shock, no contract offer followed. Instead, he had to take a detour, one more fight in the FFC promotion, before finally getting his shot on the world stage with Bellator MMA. A reminder, etched in ink, that sometimes victories come with hurdles.

And on his chest? A heart wrapped in thorns, held together by a single band. If there’s a better way to sum up the resilience of a fighter, both physically and emotionally. I haven’t seen it. Skulls, an anchor, a boxing female, roses, and flowers, his tattoos are an eclectic mix of meaning, memory, and let’s be honest, a bit of impulsive decision-making. But that’s the beauty of it. Some people keep their stories in journals. Vanderford keeps his on his skin.

One thing’s for sure, his UFC debut is just another chapter waiting to be inked. So, what do you think? After his first fight in the octagon, what’s the next piece of art he’s adding to the collection? Drop your predictions in the comments below!