Paige VanZant, the former UFC star, has once again surprised fans with an unexpected career move.
After making her boxing debut and drawing with Elle Brooke, VanZant has announced that she is transitioning to slap fighting.
The 28-year-old athlete confirmed the news on the 'Kickass Love Story’ podcast she shares with her husband, revealing that she will be making her debut in the controversial sport at Power Slap 8 on June 28.
In a bold and unapologetic statement, VanZant declared, “I just signed a contract, and whether motherf***er’s like it or not, I am doing Power Slap. You know what, I am f***ing Paige Vanzant.
I was in the UFC, bare-knuckle boxing, boxing and now I’m doing Power Slap. I’m just going to do everything and p*** everybody off.”
The announcement has left many fans in disbelief, with some expressing their shock on social media. One Twitter user wrote, “So random,” while another questioned, “She outta money or what?”
It's evident that VanZant's decision has sparked a mix of surprise and curiosity among her followers.
VanZant's journey in the world of combat sports has been nothing short of eventful. She began her career as an MMA fighter and quickly rose to fame after joining the UFC in 2014.
Her combination of fighting skills, good looks, and charismatic personality earned her a legion of fans. However, after six years in the UFC, VanZant's fighting career had reached a plateau.
Amidst this career transition, VanZant found success in other ventures, particularly on social media. Following an appearance on America’s version of Strictly Come Dancing, she began to gain traction as a social media influencer.
This shift in focus led to her decision to leave the UFC and sign a three-fight deal with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, reportedly worth around $1.2 million (£940,000).
VanZant had two bouts with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship before taking a break from fighting following a loss to Rachael Ostovich in July 2021.
During this time, she found financial success through platforms like OnlyFans, further diversifying her career outside of traditional sports.
The decision to transition to slap fighting marks yet another unexpected turn in VanZant's career. She expressed her initial hesitation about the sport, stating, “Watching Power Slap, I was like, ‘I don’t know if I wanna do that, that’s insane.’
Then I got the call from Dana White, and I was like, ‘Umm, okay.’ I’m gonna get jacked in the next three weeks and go slap somebody.”
Simultaneously, a promotional video confirming VanZant’s participation in the upcoming slap fighting show aired during the UFC’s first event in Saudi Arabia.
This further solidified her commitment to this new endeavor and piqued the interest of fans and critics alike.
While some may view VanZant's transition as unexpected or unconventional, it is clear that she is unapologetically charting her own path. Her willingness to explore diverse opportunities and challenge herself in new arenas is a testament to her resilience and determination.
As VanZant prepares for her debut in slap fighting at Power Slap 8, it remains to be seen how she will fare in this unique and controversial sport.
One thing is certain – whether in the UFC, bare-knuckle boxing, or now slap fighting, Paige VanZant continues to defy expectations and carve out her own legacy in the world of combat sports.
