Paige VanZant, a prominent UFC competitor, recently shared a video that captures a striking moment: a female boxer standing on the bow of a ship, delivering a crisp punch as the sea sails by. The clip showcases her athleticism and the fearless attitude she brings to combat sports, giving fans a vivid snapshot of her training mindset and competitive spirit.
VanZant made her mixed martial arts debut on June 30, 2012, earning a split decision victory over American fighter Jordan Nicole Gaza. That first clash signaled the arrival of a rising talent who would become known for her speed, agility, and willingness to take risks inside the cage. The outcome reflected the tight, competitive nature of early MMA bouts, where even a debut can set the tone for a fighter’s career and future matchups.
In the Absolute Fighting Championship, the athlete continued her professional journey on September 5, 2015, facing Alex Chambers. The bout reached the second minute of the third round, when VanZant secured an armbar to finalize the win. This victory helped cement her reputation as a versatile grappler with a knack for finishing opportunities when they present themselves, adding a crucial early chapter to her growing resume in professional MMA.
VanZant’s UFC chapter culminated with her last appearance in the organization on July 12, 2020, where she faced Brazilian fighter Amanda Ribas. The bout added another layer to her high-profile career in which she consistently drew attention for her striking speed, dynamic movement, and willingness to engage top-tier competition. Across her MMA tenure, VanZant compiled a record of eight wins against five losses, reflecting a career marked by adrenaline-fueled battles and a steady climb through the ranks of women’s mixed martial arts.
Following her UFC departure, VanZant signed with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on August 12, 2020, entering the world of professional bare-knuckle fighting. This transition highlighted her enduring commitment to challenging herself in different combat sports formats and to expanding her footprint within the wider martial arts landscape. The move underscored a common arc for many seasoned fighters seeking new arenas to showcase their skills while maintaining the intensity that fans expect from high-level combat sports.
Earlier in her career, another notable figure from the sport was highlighted in media for appearance in a swimsuit, illustrating how athletes often cross into broader entertainment and fashion moments alongside their athletic performances. This contrast underscores the multifaceted visibility fighters can achieve as they build public personas that extend beyond the cage, appealing to diverse audiences and contributing to the evolving narrative of women in combat sports as they pursue opportunities across platforms and events.