The UFC announced Wednesday that Paige VanZant will take on Michelle Waterson as UFC Fight Night Sacramento’s headlining bout on Saturday, Dec. 17.
VanZant is the No. 8-ranked strawweight in UFC, while Waterson is No. 12.
After an eight-month absence away from the Octagon where she found new fame on Dancing With The Stars, VanZant returned to the ring in August in dominating fashion with a second-round knockout of Bec Rawlings.
For her career, VanZant is 7-2, and she was ready to go upon the fight’s announcement:
Waterson has had an even longer absence. The last time she was in the Octagon, she defeated Angela Magana at The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale in July 2015.
Nicknamed “The Karate Hottie,” Waterson is 13-4 in her career and holds far more efficient numbers compared to VanZant. However, she has less experience on the largest MMA stage, as she’s participated in just one UFC bout.
For VanZant, a victory over Waterson will ensure that she continues her climb up the ranks to elite status in the strawweight division.
Her challenger, though, could make a big-time statement that she is the real deal come Dec. 17 if she can find a 14th career win in Sacramento, California.
Stats courtesy of UFC.com.
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