Former UFC flyweight Paige VanZant has been candid about her journey back to the ring.
Currently competing in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), VanZant last fought in 2021, where she faced Rachael Ostovich at BKFC 19 and lost via unanimous decision.
In a recent interaction with her fans on Instagram, VanZant provided insights into the challenges she has faced and her plans for a return to action.
VanZant was slated to fight Charisa Sigala at BKFC 27 in August of the previous year. However, the bout was postponed to October 15 before ultimately being canceled just a week prior to the event.
Addressing a fan's query about the cancellation, VanZant revealed the impact it had on her both mentally and physically.
“That’s a really good question," she began. "Of course, the last fight that I was supposed to have for BKFC, the fight got pulled the week of the fight.
I had cut all my weight, I was so excited to fight, I got mega depressed. So I took a little bit of time off and I’m back in the gym, training a hundred percent now."
The abrupt cancellation was a significant blow to VanZant, who had already gone through the rigorous process of weight cutting and was fully prepared to compete.
The disappointment led her to a period of depression, underscoring the intense emotional and physical investment fighters make in their profession.
The unexpected turn of events prompted VanZant to take a step back and reassess her approach to training and competition.
"I feel like I’m in a really good place, where I’m training for fun and to get better. Not just to prepare for a fight," she shared.
This shift in mindset represents a significant evolution in VanZant's approach to her sport. Rather than training solely with the pressure of an upcoming fight, she has been focusing on improving her skills and enjoying the process.
VanZant's return to the gym has been driven by a desire to train with purpose and passion. "So I want to continue, just kinda doing this, what I’m doing right now," she said.
"Training to have fun, to get better and learn. And then once I feel, like I’m desperate to fight - which I do really want to - but once I feel like I’m mentally and physically prepared, then I’m going to take a fight."
This statement highlights her commitment to ensuring she is fully prepared before stepping back into the ring. VanZant is determined to listen to her body and mind, emphasizing the importance of being in the right headspace and physical condition.
The approach underscores a holistic view of her career, balancing the demands of high-stakes competition with personal well-being.
"I don’t want to just take a fight because I want to. I want to really feel it in my body, that I’m ready.
So, it’s coming though. I am working really hard," VanZant assured her fans. Her words convey a deep understanding of the importance of readiness, both physically and mentally, in a sport as demanding as bare-knuckle boxing.
The physical toll of the sport is significant, and being in optimal condition is crucial to both performance and safety.
VanZant's narrative is one of resilience and determination. Her transparency about the emotional and psychological challenges she has faced offers a rare glimpse into the struggles athletes endure behind the scenes.
The journey back to the ring is not just about physical readiness but also about overcoming mental hurdles and finding joy in the sport.
The story of her canceled fight with Charisa Sigala and the subsequent depression she experienced is a testament to the unpredictable nature of combat sports.
Despite the setback, VanZant's return to training with a renewed focus on self-improvement and enjoyment signals a positive trajectory.
Her approach serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of mental health and the need to find balance in the pursuit of professional goals.
As she continues to train and prepare, fans eagerly await her return to competition. VanZant's journey is a reminder that the path to success is often fraught with challenges, but with determination and the right mindset, it is possible to overcome and emerge stronger.
Her story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, qualities that will undoubtedly serve her well in her continued career in combat sports.
