Paige VanZant and Michelle Waterson, two of the UFC's most celebrated female fighters, recently came together for a women's panel at UFC's International Fight Week 2017.
During the panel, they shared some of the biggest moments of their fighting careers, giving fans a glimpse into the highs and lows of life as professional athletes in the world's premier mixed martial arts organization.
For VanZant, one of the standout moments of her UFC career came in December 2016, when she faced off against Michelle Waterson in a highly anticipated strawweight bout.
Despite ultimately falling short in the fight, VanZant's performance showcased her resilience and determination, earning her respect and admiration from fans and fellow fighters alike.
"I think that fight with Michelle was a turning point for me," VanZant said during the panel. "It was a tough loss, but it taught me a lot about myself and what I'm capable of. It was a reminder that I belong in this sport, and it motivated me to keep pushing forward and improving as a fighter."
Waterson, on the other hand, pointed to her UFC debut in July 2015 as a career-defining moment. Facing tough competition in Angela Magana, Waterson delivered a spectacular performance, securing a submission victory in the third round and making a statement to the rest of the strawweight division.
"Stepping into the Octagon for the first time was an incredible experience," Waterson recalled. "I had worked so hard to get to that point, and to come out with a win in my UFC debut was a dream come true.
It gave me the confidence to believe that I could compete at the highest level and achieve my goals in this sport."
Both fighters emphasized the importance of perseverance and mental toughness in overcoming challenges and setbacks in their careers. VanZant spoke candidly about her struggles with injuries and personal issues, acknowledging that the road to success in the UFC is never easy.
"I've dealt with my fair share of injuries and setbacks, but I've learned to embrace the adversity and use it as fuel to drive me forward," VanZant said. "Every setback has made me stronger and more determined to succeed. It's all part of the journey, and I wouldn't change a thing."
Waterson echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for resilience and a positive mindset in the face of adversity.
"Every fighter goes through ups and downs, but it's how you respond to those challenges that defines you as a competitor," Waterson said. "I've learned to stay focused on my goals and maintain a positive attitude, no matter what obstacles come my way. It's all about staying true to yourself and never giving up."
In addition to discussing their individual journeys, VanZant and Waterson also reflected on the growth of women's MMA and the impact they have had on inspiring the next generation of female fighters.
Both fighters expressed gratitude for the opportunities they have had to showcase their skills on the biggest stage in the sport and serve as role models for aspiring athletes.
"I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of the evolution of women's MMA," VanZant said. "When I first started out, there were far fewer opportunities for female fighters, but now we're headlining events and proving that we belong here. It's amazing to see how far we've come,
and I'm proud to be a part of that progress."
Waterson echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of paving the way for future generations of female fighters.
"We have a responsibility to show young girls that they can achieve anything they set their minds to," Waterson said. "By breaking down barriers and proving ourselves in the Octagon, we're opening doors for others to follow in our footsteps.
It's an honor to be a part of this movement and inspire the next generation of female athletes."
As the panel came to a close, VanZant and Waterson expressed their gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support and vowed to continue pushing the boundaries of women's MMA.
With their determination and resilience, these two fighters have left an indelible mark on the sport and will undoubtedly continue to inspire others with their passion and dedication to their craft.
