Paige VanZant says she is eager to show that there is more to her than just being a pretty face after leaving MMA to sign a multi-fight, multi-million-dollar deal with upstart fight league Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
VanZant announced that she had made the switch late on Wednesday following the expiration of her UFC contract last month.
The former Sports Illustrated swimsuit model was submitted in the first round of her “Fight Island” bout with Amanda Ribas, meaning that she leaves the organization on the back of a 2-4 run in her six most recent fights.
“12 Gauge” spurned a deal from UFC competitors Bellator to move outside of MMA for the first time in her career, and will now join the exodus of mixed martial artists to try their hand(s) in the world of bare-knuckle boxing.
“I feel like I still have this stigma in MMA that I’m just a pretty face, and what a way to prove to be people that’s not the way I see myself at all,” VanZant told ESPN.
Just spoke to @paigevanzant, who confirmed she signed a multi-fight, multi-million dollar deal w/ BKFC. She is very happy:
"I feel like I still have this stigma in MMA that I'm just a pretty face, and what a way to prove to be people that's not the way I see myself at all.”
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship has struck deals with several UFC alums, including Artem Lobov and Jason Knight, who combined for two hotly-contested fights last year.
“The Russian Hammer” also won his grudge match with former world champion boxer Paulie Malignaggi in the organization’s most successful live event to date.
The promotion’s chief, David Feldman, will no doubt be hoping that VanZant’s signature will provide a surge in interest for the fight league similar to the mainstream attention attracted by the Lobov vs. Malignaggi bout.
Why Paige vanzant is going to bare knuckle fighting I have no idea 🤦🏻♂️
Paige Vanzant signing with Bare Knuckle FC proves that she couldn't give any less care in the world about her pretty face…she just loves to fight. I respect that. #MMA#Ufc#BKFC
VanZant’s crossover status from her appearances as a fitness model, as well national fame as a result of being a castmember on a season of “Dancing with the Stars” makes her an ideal candidate to help BKFC along to the next level – but some fans think that this could come at the loss of her All-American good looks.
There is as of yet no indication as to when VanZant’s bare-knuckle debut will come but a rematch with former UFC foe Bec Rawlings, who VanZant defeated in the UFC via switch-kick KO, appears to be a reasonable wager.
