Time is running out for Paige VanZant. The UFC flyweight will be fighting her last match on her contract at UFC 251. Since the fight can either make or break her career, VanZant has gone to extreme lengths to prepare for the bout.
VanZant, 8-4, was originally booked to fight Amanda Ribas on March 14. However, the bout was canceled as VanZant pulled out due to an injury. Subsequently, the match was moved to July 11 at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Paige VanZant speaks out on Fighter Pay
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Heading into the fight, “12 Gauge” is unhappy about her UFC contract.
“Everyone knows how much I make. I make $46,000 a fight. 46 [to show] and 46 [to win], I’m not gonna hide it, everyone knows. I can make way more than that just [by] promoting brands on Instagram.
“You know that should say something about why would I step away from all the amazing success that I have. I have made more money in ‘Dancing With the Stars’ than I have in my entire UFC career combined… Every fight, every win, every bonus. And it just shows the money is out there – I love fighting, it’s what I love to do,” VanZant told ESPN.
Heading into the final fight of her current contract, @paigevanzant is looking to prove her value at #UFC251
(via @arielhelwani) pic.twitter.com/t0NnW7ObRl
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 24, 2020
This is not the first time that VanZant has criticized the UFC because of low Fighter Pay. In August 2019 as well, Paige stated that she makes more money by posting pictures on Instagram than fighting. Additionally, she explained that she would be at a loss if she depended on fighting alone.
VanZant dropped sponsors
VanZant is eager to make a statement at UFC 251. She seems to be fully concentrated on her upcoming fight.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“For this fight, I have dropped every single sponsor, I haven’t posted anything on Instagram… Nothing matters to me except for this fight. It’s a clean slate for me. I’m not promoting any sponsors, I have nothing. I’m just excited to go out there and prove my value to absolutely everybody. And I think fighting is how I do that.”
Paige wants the UFC to offer her a better contract after her current agreement comes to an end. If not, she is willing to test out free agency.