Paige VanZant: The Bold Journey from UFC to Bare-Knuckle Fighting and Beyond
Paige VanZant, also known as '12 Gauge', has been making waves in the combat sports world with her bold career moves and entrepreneurial spirit.
The 30-year-old fighter, who rose to fame in the UFC, has been reaping the benefits of taking risks and betting on herself.
VanZant's journey in the fight game began in 2014 when she joined the UFC and quickly gained a loyal fan base due to her impressive fighting skills, captivating looks, and magnetic personality.
However, after six years with the promotion, she felt that her fighting career had hit a plateau. It was at this juncture that she decided to explore other opportunities outside of the octagon.
In 2020, VanZant made the daring decision to fight out her contract with the UFC and venture into the world of free agency.
This move was met with skepticism and uncertainty, but it ultimately led to a lucrative three-fight deal with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, which was reportedly worth around $1.2 million (£940,000).
This leap of faith paid off for VanZant, as she later disclosed that she was making approximately ten times more money in the bare-knuckle promotion than she did in her UFC tenure.
Despite finding success in bare-knuckle fighting, VanZant's entrepreneurial spirit led her to explore new avenues for financial growth.
In 2022, she ventured into the world of exclusive content creation on OnlyFans and achieved remarkable financial success, surpassing her earnings from nine UFC fights in just one day.
Now, as she prepares to make her boxing debut in the main event of Misfits & DAZN: X Series 15, VanZant is poised to continue her journey of challenging norms and breaking barriers.
Her opponent for this highly anticipated debut is none other than Elle Brooke, a former adult film star who has transitioned into the world of boxing.
VanZant's enthusiasm for her upcoming boxing debut is palpable, as she expressed, "This is what I love to do. It’s a part of who I am. It’s what I do. I’m driven, I’m a very competitive person and I have to compete at something.
And I love fighting and boxing. It’s what I was born to do."
While Brooke may have more experience in the boxing ring with five fights under her belt, VanZant remains confident in her abilities and is determined to put on a show for the fans.
She acknowledges the hard work she has put into preparing for this new challenge and is eager to showcase her skills on fight night.
VanZant's respect for her opponent and all fighters is evident as she acknowledges the dedication and sacrifice required to step into the ring. She recognizes that professional fighting is no easy feat, regardless of one's background or previous endeavors.
Looking ahead, VanZant envisions her fight against Brooke as just the beginning of her journey with KSI's boxing company.
While her next opponent remains uncertain, one thing is clear – VanZant is committed to making her mark in the world of boxing and continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible for athletes in combat sports.
As Paige VanZant prepares to step into the boxing ring for the first time, she embodies the spirit of a true trailblazer – fearless, determined, and unapologetically herself.
Her journey from the UFC to bare-knuckle fighting and now boxing serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and entrepreneurs alike, proving that taking risks and betting on oneself can lead to incredible opportunities and successes.
As fight night approaches, all eyes will be on Paige VanZant as she embarks on this new chapter of her career. Whether she emerges victorious or faces challenges along the way, one thing is certain – '12 Gauge' will continue to defy expectations and pave her own path in the world of combat sports.
