Former UFC fighter Paige VanZant‘s husband, Austin Vanderford, took 8 long years to make it to Dana White‘s promotion. The UFC CEO could have signed him back in 2018 when he competed in the Contender Series, but he initially passed. When Vanderford finally made his proper debut earlier this year, he made sure to leave a lasting impression by knocking Nikolay Veretennikov out within two rounds.

The 35-year-old welterweight is making his way back for a second fight this year at the Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev headliner at UFC 320. But before he steps up against Ramiz Brahimaj, let’s get to know VanZant’s husband a little better. In this article, we’ll be talking about Vanderford’s tattoos because each mark on his skin isn’t just ink; it’s a timeline, a tribute, or, in some cases, a hazy memory from a tequila-fueled night.

Austin Vanderford’s left sleeve and back tattoos

It all started with a simple tradition for Austin Vanderford: getting a tattoo after every fight. It’s a commitment almost as serious as stepping into the octagon itself. Some people collect trophies; Vanderford collects ink. And his collection is as diverse as it is meaningful. Take his left sleeve, for instance. The phrase “Riders on the Storm” etched into his skin is a nod to The Doors, a song he and his college wrestling teammates would blast before matches.

The inked script of the year he won nationals sits proudly alongside it, because if you don’t tattoo your own achievements, did they even happen? But it’s not just about personal accolades. ‘The Gentleman’s tattoo is a family affair. His dad took him for his first tattoo at 14—a little “V Ford” on his back, setting off a lifelong addiction to the needle. And it runs in the blood; both his parents are inked up, so it was inevitable he’d follow suit. Now, let’s move over to take a look at the other tattoos of Vanderford.

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Austin Vanderford’s ‘King of Hearts’ and forearm tattoo

Some couples exchange rings, others exchange vows, but Austin Vanderford and Paige VanZant? They exchange ink. Sitting proudly on his stomach is a ‘King of Hearts’ tattoo, a permanent counterpart to VanZant’s ‘Queen of Hearts’. A bold choice? Definitely. A decision made in the cold light of day? Not exactly. “We snuck out of our Airbnb when we were in L.A. You were drunk, I was not, and I convinced you to get matching tattoos with me,” ’12 Gauge’ once confessed, leaving out why she was so conveniently sober in the whole ordeal.

Was it a grand romantic gesture or just another chapter in their tattoo-fueled adventures? Either way, it’s proof that in their world, love is inked, not spoken. But the ‘King of Hearts’ is just one part of Vanderford’s sprawling canvas of stories. His forearm carries a dramatic showdown, Jesus facing off against a lion. Is it a symbolic clash of faith and power? A reflection of his own battles, both inside and outside the cage? Or just an image that looks undeniably badass? Either way, it feels right on the skin of a man who’s made a career out of fighting. Now, let’s look at the rest of the tattoos and what they mean for Vanderford.

Vanderford’s other tattoos

The 35-year-old UFC fighter also has a tattoo on his throat, the so-called “Eye of the Storm.” If there’s one place where Austin Vanderford thrives, it’s in the chaos. This tattoo isn’t just for aesthetics; it’s a statement. A reminder that when everything around him is spiraling, he remains calm, centered, and ready to strike. Speaking of striking, what’s fiercer than a tiger staring down its prey? That’s exactly what’s inked on the back of his neck. If there were ever an animal that perfectly captures the essence of a fighter, cunning, powerful, relentless, it’s a tiger. No explanation needed.

His leg tells another battle story, marked by a skull wearing a Native American headdress. It was inked right after his Contender Series fight, which, as we’ve mentioned already, was a night that should have been his ticket to the UFC. Vanderford secured a dominant second-round submission win, but to his shock, no contract offer followed. Instead, he had to take a detour, one more fight in the FFC promotion, before finally getting his shot on the world stage with Bellator MMA. A reminder etched in ink that sometimes victories come with hurdles.

And on his chest? A heart wrapped in thorns, held together by a single band. If there’s a better way to sum up the resilience of a fighter, both physically and emotionally. Well, one thing’s for sure: his UFC career is just another chapter waiting to be inked. So, what do you think is the next piece of art he’s adding to the collection? Drop your comments below!