Former UFC fighter Paige VanZant makes her highly anticipated return to MMA after stints in BKFC and Power Slap!
Paige VanZant was a fighter who burst onto the UFC scene with her dynamic style and million-dollar smile. She has been on quite an adventure since leaving the UFC in 2020. From bare-knuckle boxing to Power Slap competitions, she’s tried it all.
Now, at 30 years old, ‘PVZ’ is ready to return to her MMA roots with an exciting twist. She is joining UFC’s brand new competitor, Global Fight League (GFL), proving that you can always come home to what you love most.
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The fighting world has been a wild ride for VanZant since her UFC departure. She went from throwing kicks in the octagon to throwing hands without gloves in BKFC. The American fighter even dabbled in the controversial world of Power Slap. She was trying every flavor at the combat sports ice cream shop. Some worked out, some didn’t.
This GFL signing isn’t just another chapter in her book. It’s potentially the start of something special. With eight former UFC champions already on board and 60 female fighters spanning five divisions, VanZant isn’t joining some small-time operation.
The GFL’s inaugural draft is set for January 24, with events kicking off in April. Paige VanZant will be part of a roster that includes serious talents like former Bellator champ Julia Budd and Invicta FC veterans Jessica Penne and Tonya Evinger.
And with former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez joining as part of management alongside legendary coach Javier Mendez, the league has some serious brain power behind it.
Some critics might roll their eyes at another Paige VanZant’s MMA comeback. But here’s the thing – in a sport where most athletes stick to one lane, she has been brave enough to explore different avenues.
From UFC to BKFC, from Power Slap to boxing exhibitions, each experience has added tools to her arsenal. Now, she is bringing all that knowledge to a league that’s looking to change the game. Whether it will work out remains to be seen.
(Image Credit: Kyle Terada – Imagn Images)
