Paige VanZant is a notable figure in mixed martial arts and combat sports, known for her time competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and beyond. Her career has drawn attention not only for in‑octagon performances but also for the public visibility she maintains across social media and media appearances. VanZant has cultivated a following by sharing moments from her training, competition, and personal interests, making her a recognizable athlete in North America and internationally.
VanZant began her professional MMA journey with a debut that showcased her tenacity and competitive spark. On June 30, 2012, she faced American fighter Jordan Nicole Gaza and earned a victory by split decision, signaling the potential of a rising talent in the sport. This early win established VanZant as a fighter to watch as she navigated the increasingly competitive landscape of mixed martial arts.
Her ascent continued within the UFC, where she made a memorable entrance by defeating Alex Chambers on September 5, 2015. The contest progressed through the later rounds, and VanZant finished the match with an armbar in the third round, demonstrating her grappling skills and submission ability that she would continue to refine throughout her career. The performance helped position her as a prominent strawweight contender and a face for the sport in North American markets.
Across the UFC years, VanZant accumulated a record that reflected a mix of wins and losses, showcasing the ups and downs typical of a high‑level combat athlete. By the time she last fought for the promotion in July 2020, she had accumulated a total of eight wins and five losses in her mixed martial arts career, a trajectory that highlighted both her resilience and her willingness to take on challenging opponents from various fighting disciplines. Her presence in the cage remained a talking point among fans and analysts alike, contributing to ongoing discussions about strategy, technique, and athlete longevity in MMA.
Following her UFC tenure, VanZant transitioned into other combat sports arenas, including bare‑knuckle boxing. On August 12, 2020, she signed with Bare Knuckle FC, a promotion that has drawn attention for its different format and rules compared to traditional mixed martial arts. This move illustrated her openness to exploring new formats and expanding her competitive repertoire beyond conventional MMA. Her career in combat sports continues to be followed by fans who appreciate her endurance, adaptability, and willingness to push boundaries in pursuit of athletic goals.
In another athletic venture, VanZant participated in a boxing match on May 26, 2024, facing Ally Brooke. The bout concluded with a draw according to the referees’ scorecards, a result that reflected the evolving dynamics of cross‑discipline competition and the ongoing interest in how MMA athletes perform under different combat sports rules. The draw added an interesting chapter to her multi‑disciplinary career, underlining the challenges and opportunities that arise when athletes cross between boxing and mixed martial arts styles.
Throughout her career, VanZant has been described by observers as a dynamic and media‑savvy athlete who has used public platforms to share her journey, values, and training philosophy. Her experiences span the rigorous environment of elite MMA, the pungent arena of bare‑knuckle fighting, and the broader world of professional boxing. These pursuits collectively reflect a versatile athlete who remains engaged with fans, coaches, and competitors across multiple combat sports spheres, and who continues to shape the conversation around what it takes to compete at a high level in modern combat athletics.