Former UFC girls’s strawweight contender Paige VanZant is returning to MMA with International Combat League.
‘12 Gauge’ has had a rocky previous couple of years. As soon as a beloved prospect who had Dana White’s approval, the younger Paige VanZant rattled off three straight wins to face Rose Namajunas in December 2015. Sadly for the younger strawweight, that combat with ‘Thug Rose’ was the tip of her time on the prime.
Paige VanZant was battered and handed a submission loss by Namajunas in her first UFC major occasion. Within the years following that loss, she would go 2-4 contained in the octagon, parting methods with the corporate following a defeat to Amanda Ribas in 2020. VanZant later signed with BKFC however suffered losses in her first two bouts towards Britian Hart and Rachel Ostovich.
Since 2021, the 30-year-old has performed a little bit of every little thing. Earlier this 12 months, Paige VanZant stepped into the Misfits Boxing ring to face influencer fighter Elle Brooke. ‘12 Gauge’ was floored in spherical one, however acquired off the canvas to combat to a split-draw after 5 rounds. Afterward, she competed twice in Dana White’s PowerSlap.
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Former UFC star Paige VanZant proclaims MMA return with International Combat League
Properly, now it appears Paige VanZant is able to return to the world of MMA. On her podcast earlier this week, ‘12 Gauge’ revealed plans for a comeback underneath the International Combat League banner. The team-based MMA promotion was unveiled late final 12 months and is ready to begin holding occasions in April.
“They’re choosing up anyone and all people who has a reputation on this sport who’s a free agent.” Paige VanZant acknowledged on her ‘A Kickass Love Story’ Podcast. “…So, they supplied me a contract, and I mentioned sure. Going again to MMA. I believe that is the proper alternative as a result of I didn’t essentially go away MMA. I undoubtedly didn’t go away MMA as a result of I wasn’t captivated with it anymore.”
She continued, “However leaving after I grew to become a free agent outdoors the UFC, the most important provide that got here was in bare-knuckle boxing. They have been those. They introduced one of the best provide to me, and it was thrilling. It was new, and it undoubtedly sparked my curiosity… Now, this new MMA group, they made me actually excited to combat for them.”
What do you make of those feedback from Paige VanZant? Are you excited to see ‘12 Gauge’ compete underneath the International Combat League banner?