via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 05: Paige VanZant prepares to face Alex Chambers in their women’s strawweight bout during the UFC 191 event inside MGM Grand Garden Arena on September 5, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 05: Paige VanZant prepares to face Alex Chambers in their women’s strawweight bout during the UFC 191 event inside MGM Grand Garden Arena on September 5, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Former UFC flyweight, Paige VanZant, opened up on her new contract with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. ’12 Gauge’ confirmed speculation that she is actually earning 10 times more than her time in the UFC. After her UFC 251 loss to Amanda Ribas, VanZant decided to try free agency.
Many expected her to sign for Bellator MMA where her husband Austin Vanderford competes in the middleweight division. Despite Scott Coker’s company putting a very competitive offer for her on the table, VanZant decided to join BKFC for her new venture. As she clarified her decision at the recent KnuckleMania Press Conference.
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“I was really fortunate coming from the UFC that I did have so many amazing organizations reached out, and I truly wasn’t sure where my career was going to go,” she started.
“This is the one I was most passionate about. This is where I see myself being the most successful. I absolutely love my striking, it’s what I was known for in the UFC. So, I’m excited to come in here and show how tough I am.”
“I’m here for a reason. I was in the UFC for six years getting paid $40,000 (to show) and $40,000 (to win). Now I’m getting 10 times that doing what I love,” VanZant concluded. “So, obviously, I’m not going anywhere. I’m very happy fighting here, and I’m excited to fight.”
Paige VanZant lost her first fight in BKFC
VanZant dropped a unanimous decision against Britain Hart in her promotional debut. Despite a strong start, VanZant couldn’t continue her dominance as Hart eventually found her rhythm and used her superior experience to turn the fight in her favor. VanZant put on a valiant effort but still came up short.
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Paige VanZant is in the house.#BKFC #KnuckleMania pic.twitter.com/HSfFIEb1mA
— BroBible (@BroBible) February 6, 2021
But, the promise is there. She could certainly use this experience in her next outings. The rules were not quite favorable to her usual as well. So, no doubt she will need some more time to adjust and eventually establish herself as a seasoned fighter in the BKFC featherweight division.
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What did you make of Paige VanZant’s revelation about her enormous salary? Will she eventually become an established bare-knuckle fighter?
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