Paige VanZant joined the list of fighters that left the UFC in the hunt for better compensation. The issue of UFC fighters being underpaid is something that has existed for almost as long as the promotion itself.
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A lot of fighters have voiced their opinions on not being paid enough. Some of them have stuck it out in the UFC while others have moved to organizations such as Bellator, ONE Championship, or the BareKnuckle Fighting Championship in search of a better contract.
‘PVZ’ recently made the headlines after it was revealed that she had signed with BKFC.
READ MORE- Paige VanZant fight date announced for BKFC debut
Paige VanZant is planning a return to MMA says husband Austin Vanderford
In a recent interview, the Bellator star spoke about his wife and her future. He said, “She felt at this point in her career she needed to make some changes to continue to compete with the top girls.
“What she’s going to do now will extend the longevity of her career. I know that sounds ironic since she’s going to fight in bare-knuckle. But she’s only 26 and this gives her the opportunity to work on some things. Really work on her striking”
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SACRAMENTO, CA – DECEMBER 16: Paige VanZant poses on the scale during the UFC Fight Night weigh-in inside the Golden 1 Center Arena on December 16, 2016 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Vanderford continued, “She’s more than likely going to come back to MMA. She wants to try and work on becoming a more well-rounded fighter…..American Top Team has really set up a good bare-knuckle program right now…
“Thiago Alves just had his debut and he looked amazing. He fought somebody who had already had four fights. They have a cool little crew there. It’s a little bare-knuckle fighting team, there are great coaches there”
‘12 Gauge’ has fought thrice in the last 3 years. Most recently, she fought Amanda Ribas in July this year. However, she succumbed to a first-round loss by way of submission via armbar and has since been a free agent.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 19: Paige VanZant consoles Rachael Ostovich after their Women’s Flyweight fight at UFC Fight Night at Barclays Center on January 19, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
‘PVZ’ is 2-3 in her last 5 fights in the UFC. Given that she is healthy and able to fight now, a change of scenery will do the American Top Team prospect a world of good.
A few good results with her new promotion might be a pathway back to an MMA promotion with a better contract. Do you think Paige VanZant will return to the octagon in the future? Let us know in the comments below.