‘Gangster’ Paige VanZant open to multiple slap battles: ‘I’m a woman who does whatever the f*ck I want’
Paige VanZant, the former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Strawweight and Flyweight hopeful, is not one to shy away from a challenge.
Known for her toughness and fearlessness, VanZant is now venturing into the world of slap fighting, a seemingly unconventional move for someone with a background in mixed martial arts and bare-knuckle boxing.
The 30-year-old athlete recently announced her participation in Power Slap 8, where she will face off against Christine Volmarans in a slap-off.
While some may question the legitimacy of slap fighting as a sport, VanZant is undeterred, embracing the opportunity to showcase her grit and determination in yet another combat sport.
In a recent statement at UFC 303 media day, VanZant expressed her excitement about the upcoming challenge. "I got called if I would do Power Slap, I said, ‘Absolutely,’ and that was it," she said.
"Signed the contract and here I am to do Power Slap. I think it’s exciting for me because it’s like, listen, I am a gangster.
Whether people want to admit it or not, I am here to slap somebody, it doesn’t matter what organization, what combat sport, I’m here to take over and have some fun."
VanZant's decision to participate in slap fighting may come as a surprise to many, considering her successful career in mixed martial arts and bare-knuckle boxing. With an 8-5 record in MMA, VanZant has proven her resilience and skill inside the cage.
Since parting ways with the UFC in 2020, she has continued to pursue her passion for combat sports, including a recent foray into professional boxing.
Despite the unconventional nature of slap fighting, VanZant sees it as a test of her toughness and an opportunity to push her limits.
"I look back at my UFC career, my bare-knuckle boxing career, everything that I’ve done, you can’t take away how tough I am, and this is like that ultimate test of toughness," she explained. "Stand there, and you’ve got to be able to have the balls to be able to get hit."
VanZant's willingness to embrace new challenges and push herself beyond her comfort zone is evident in her decision to participate in Power Slap alongside her boxing career.
"I still intend to box again at the end of the year. I’m waiting for the date on that. This fits in line with that. It’s preparation, it’s preparing to cause damage and try not to take damage, but inevitably, in Power Slap you’re gonna get hit," she said.
Her bold declaration that she is "a woman who does whatever the f*ck I want" encapsulates her independent spirit and determination to pursue her passions without reservation.
Despite any skepticism or criticism, VanZant remains undeterred in her pursuit of new challenges and experiences in the world of combat sports.
As she prepares for her upcoming slap-off at Power Slap 8, VanZant's fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how she fares in this unorthodox competition.
Whether she emerges victorious or faces setbacks, one thing is certain – Paige VanZant will continue to defy expectations and carve her own path in the world of combat sports.
