Paige VanZant accepts Global Fight League contract for MMA return

Paige VanZant will probably be making a return to MMA in 2025 as part of the brand new World Combat League roster.

GFL, a brand new MMA promotion, just lately introduced it has an enormous roster of over 300 fighters underneath contract, which incorporates many acquainted names who fought underneath different main organizations corresponding to UFC, Bellator and PFL.

VanZant (8-5), who constructed a 5-4 document throughout her time within the UFC, says she has added her identify to the GFL roster.

“They’re choosing up anyone and all people who has a reputation on this sport who’s a free agent,” VanZant stated on “Paige and Austin: A Kickass Love Story.” “… So, they provided me a contract, and I stated sure. Going again to MMA. I feel that is the right alternative as a result of I didn’t essentially depart MMA.

“I undoubtedly didn’t depart MMA as a result of I wasn’t keen about it anymore, however leaving once I turned a free agent exterior of the UFC, the largest provide that got here in was bareknuckle boxing. They have been those, they offered the perfect provide to me and it was thrilling, it was new. It undoubtedly sparked my curiosity.”

After exiting the UFC after a submission loss to Amanda Ribas in July 2020, VanZant signed with BKFC, the place she competed twice. VanZant says her most profitable provides got here from the boxing world, each conventional and bareknuckle, as she additionally dabbled in skilled wrestling and most just lately, slap preventing.

“Now, there’s this new MMA group that made me actually excited to struggle for them,” VanZant stated. “Like, the best way they’re doing it, they’re legit paying their athletes. All people I’ve heard thats negotiated their contract to date is extraordinarily excited and completely satisfied. I additionally noticed that, which I don’t know the logistics behind the scenes, however they’re doing like a pension fund for the fighters, and I feel medical insurance.”

GFL co-founder Darren Owen introduced a lot of intriguing incentives for fighters, together with a 50-50 income share, retirement advantages, insurance coverage, coaching help, and extra.

The promotion is predicted to launch in April, though an actual date is just not introduced. GFL includes a league format with playoffs, however it differs from PFL with a team-based format, which will probably be decided by a draft in January.

For VanZant, this return to MMA is thrilling as a result of she enjoys the game, and in addition feels she will probably be correctly compensated underneath the GFL banner.

“I feel clearly there’s worth and naturally I wish to struggle for a title at some point, I wish to work as much as a championship,” VanZant stated. “However I additionally really feel like I’ve this real looking mindset to the purpose the place should you’re doing a job, and also you’re not getting paid your worth for it, then it’s a passion. I simply really feel like if I’m going to do the identical job, if I’m going to be doing the identical violence, the identical dedication, similar drive, I’m going to go the place I’m going to be making essentially the most cash.”