Paige VanZant in the Spotlight: A Look at Her MMA Journey and Public Moments
Paige VanZant, a prominent female fighter in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, shared a recent update on Instagram, a platform owned by Meta that is banned in Russia as extremist content. The post features a backstage photo from a photo shoot in a new burgundy swimsuit, offering followers a glimpse of her physique, including her hips and glutes.
VanZant’s mixed martial arts career began on June 30, 2012, when she earned a split-decision victory over American fighter Jordan Nicole Gaza. This early win helped establish her as a rising talent in the sport and set the stage for a longer professional journey inside the cage.
Her UFC tenure began with a notable matchup against Alex Chambers on September 5, 2015. The bout concluded in the third round when VanZant secured an armbar in the second minute of the third frame, marking an important early victory in her UFC record.
VanZant’s most recent appearance in the UFC came on July 12, 2020, where she faced Brazilian contenders Amanda Ribas and suffered a defeat. Across her mixed martial arts career, she has accumulated eight wins and five losses, reflecting a competitive and diverse fighting resume across different organizations.
Following her UFC career, VanZant signed with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, an American bare-knuckle promotion, on August 12, 2020. In addition to her MMA pursuits, she expanded into boxing, competing on May 26, 2024, against Ally Brooke. The match concluded with a draw according to the referees’ scorecards, illustrating the ongoing versatility and willingness to explore multiple combat sports paths.
In past public appearances related to her fighting career, VanZant has also served as a ring girl during her time in the UFC, and she has engaged in various athletic and fitness activities, including beach or poolside moments such as swimming in a burgundy swimsuit at a swimming pool. These moments have contributed to her public profile and broad fan engagement beyond the cage, highlighting how athletes often cultivate a multi-faceted public image alongside their competitive careers.
As a high-profile figure in women’s MMA, VanZant’s career provides a lens into how athletes navigate competition, media visibility, sponsorships, and evolving opportunities within combat sports. Her journey—from early victories to UFC competition, transition to other fighting disciplines, and ongoing public presence—illustrates the diverse avenues athletes pursue to extend their professional longevity and brand resonance across different audiences and markets.
Notes on context: The content reflects publicly reported career milestones, event outcomes, and notable media moments associated with Paige VanZant up to May 2024. Citations available upon request to sources that track MMA records, promotional announcements, and mainstream media coverage.