Paige VanZant made a triumphant return to the winner's circle with a dominant performance in her Power Slap debut, marking her first combat sports victory since 2019.
The former UFC star showcased her skills and resilience as she secured a unanimous decision win over Christine Wolmarans on Friday night.
VanZant's transition to the Power Slap arena comes at a time when she has been redefining her career trajectory, referring to her combat sports pursuits as "only a hobby" following the success of her OnlyFans venture.
However, her latest triumph has undoubtedly reignited the conversation around her prowess in the fighting world.
The judges scored the match overwhelmingly in favor of VanZant, with all three officials awarding her a lopsided 30-25 victory.
Throughout the bout, Wolmarans' strikes appeared to have minimal impact on VanZant, who demonstrated her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Notably, VanZant found herself in an unusual situation during the third round when she received a fourth slap after a flinching violation.
Undeterred, she pressed on with unwavering focus, showcasing her mental fortitude and commitment to emerging victorious.
The 30-year-old athlete delivered a standout performance, securing two knockdowns and displaying her striking prowess.
This marked the first instance of VanZant dropping an opponent since her memorable knockout victory over Bec Rawlings in the UFC back in 2019.
Reflecting on her impressive showing, VanZant expressed her elation at the outcome of the bout, stating, "Honestly, it was absolutely incredible.
Of course I wanted to knock her out with the first slap, but I’m so happy that it went the way that it did. I knew I could take a punch, I knew I could take a slap. That was really fun."
VanZant's victory holds significant weight as she had been grappling with a challenging period leading up to her Power Slap debut.
Having faced setbacks in her previous fights, including losses to Amanda Ribas in the UFC and defeats in
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship bouts against Britain Hart and Rachael Ostovich, VanZant's triumph serves as a testament to her resilience and unwavering determination.
Her foray into the world of Power Slap, which is spearheaded by UFC president Dana White, has provided a platform for VanZant to reaffirm her competitive spirit and showcase her tenacity in the face of adversity.
As she basks in the glory of her well-deserved victory, VanZant's return to winning ways has undoubtedly reignited excitement and anticipation surrounding her future endeavors in the realm of combat sports.
With her undeniable talent and unwavering dedication, VanZant's journey is poised to captivate fans and enthusiasts alike as she continues to carve her legacy in the world of fighting.
In a sporting landscape defined by resilience and triumph over adversity, Paige VanZant's resounding victory in her Power Slap debut stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit of a true fighter.
As she embarks on this new chapter in her career, VanZant's indomitable will and unyielding determination serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and fans alike, solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of combat sports.
