After practically 5 years since her final struggle, Paige VanZant is returning to blended martial arts.
“12 Gauge” final fought MMA in July 2020, shedding to Amanda Ribas through submission at UFC 251. She signed with Naked Knuckle Preventing Championship a month later and started a profession outdoors of the UFC. After inking a profitable deal, VanZant misplaced her first two fights with the promotion and stepped away from preventing for 3 years.
Final Might, VanZant made her boxing debut in Misfits Boxing in opposition to fellow OnlyFans mannequin Elle Brooke. The bout led to a break up draw. In June she debuted in Dana White’s Energy Slap league and defeated Christine Wolmarans. Her second look in Energy Slap led to a draw.
On Wednesday, the 30-year previous introduced that she’ll be returning to MMA with a brand new struggle promotion, International Struggle League.
“New MMA group. They’re choosing up anyone and all people who has a reputation on this sport who’s a free agent.” Paige VanZant mentioned on her ‘A Kickass Love Story’ Podcast. “They supplied me a contract, and I mentioned sure. Going again to MMA. I feel that is the proper alternative as a result of I didn’t essentially go away MMA. I undoubtedly didn’t go away MMA as a result of I wasn’t obsessed with it anymore.
“However leaving once I turned a free agent outdoors the UFC, the most important supply that got here was in bare-knuckle boxing. They have been those,” VanZant continued. “They offered the perfect supply to me, and it was thrilling. It was new, and it undoubtedly sparked my curiosity… Now, there’s this new MMA group that really made me actually excited to struggle for them. The best way they’re doing it. They’re legit paying their athletes.”
VanZant expects to compete in Energy Slap once more in March, however anticipates her MMA return will happen in April.
Paige VanZant ‘excited’ about returning to MMA
At this level in her profession, VanZant is generally motivated by monetary alternatives. It is known as prize preventing for a purpose, and VanZant desires to money the most important checks that she will be able to.
“Whether or not you prefer it or not, going again for an additional run at MMA. It’s going to be enjoyable,” she mentioned. “I am actually, actually excited… That is speculated to be in April. I will be doing Energy Slap after which that.”
“In fact I need to struggle for a title in the future. I need to work as much as a championship, however I additionally really feel like I’ve this lifelike mindset to the purpose the place for those who’re doing a job and never being paid your worth for it then it is a interest,” VanZant mentioned.
“I simply left like if I’ll do the identical job, if I’ll be doing the identical violence, the identical dedication, the identical drive, I’ll go the place I’ll go to the place I am making probably the most cash.”
“You simply by no means know when it is over, so I need to do the whole lot I can to take advantage of cash whereas I can and probably the most alternatives and be capable to present for my household perpetually.”
