Monday Morning Hangover: What’s next for Paige VanZant after latest setback?

Another weekend of fisticuffs has come and gone, as UFC on FOX 22 stormed Golden 1 Center last Saturday night (Dec. 17, 2016) in Sacramento, California. Plenty of fighters were left licking their wounds, including Sage Northcutt, who suffered another loss inside the Octagon against fellow prospect Mickey Gall, getting choked out in the second round of their co-headlining fight (recap). And Brad Pickett, who was dominated by Urijah Faber in what proved to be “The California Kid’s final mixed martial arts (MMA) match (see it again here).

But, which fighter is suffering from the worst post-fight hangover now 48 hours removed from the show? Paige VanZant.

Coming into her headlining bout against Michelle Waterson, “12 Gauge” looked to deliver a show and prove to the combat sports world that she isn’t the “green” fighter people think she is. And she did everything right prior to the bout, turning down movies roles to focus all of her attention on her combat career. It was an admirable move on VanZant’s part because usually when Hollywood comes knocking, most people answer the call.

Still, Waterson proved to be too much for VanZant, dominating her from the jump, eventually taking her down with a beautiful throw and forcing her to go to sleep (video replay). While props have to be given to “12 Gauge” for not tapping, the loss is her second in last three outings.

According to VanZant, she simply needs to brush up on her Brazilian jiu-jitsu if she wants to become the best fighter she can be.

“Michelle Waterson’s a really good fighter,” she said. “She used to be the Atomweight champion for Invicta FC, so I know she’s going to go very, very far in this sport. I knew it was going to be a big test for me. Gotta work on my jiu-jitsu, apparently, so I’m going to do that.

“I got caught tonight,” she continued. “It happens. I’m not blaming any other outside factors, no matter what went on. I got caught … and it happens in this sport.”

That said, VanZant is adamant she is meant to be in the spotlight. Whether or not that spotlight will be shining bright for her next inside an eight-walled cage — or in Tinsel Town — remains to be seen. On the bright side, the 22-year old has time on her side, as she has a long road ahead of her when it comes to fighting, which means she’ll have plenty of time to sharpen her submission game, as well as the rest of her arsenal.

When she is ready to return, I’d like to see her get paired up against someone like Joanne Calderwood. Both ladies are coming off tough losses, so their hunger to get back on the winning track will be at an elevated level, which should make for a very hard-nosed battle.

Unless, of course, you have better ideas?

For complete UFC on FOX 22: “VanZant vs Waterson” play-by-play coverage and results click here.

Another weekend of fisticuffs has come and gone, as UFC on FOX 22 stormed Golden 1 Center last Saturday night (Dec. 17, 2016) in Sacramento, California. Plenty of fighters were left licking their wounds, including Sage Northcutt, who suffered another loss inside the Octagon against fellow prospect Mickey Gall, getting choked out in the second round of their co-headlining fight (recap). And Brad Pickett, who was dominated by Urijah Faber in what proved to be “The California Kid’s final mixed martial arts (MMA) match (see it again here).

But, which fighter is suffering from the worst post-fight hangover now 48 hours removed from the show? Paige VanZant.

Coming into her headlining bout against Michelle Waterson, “12 Gauge” looked to deliver a show and prove to the combat sports world that she isn’t the “green” fighter people think she is. And she did everything right prior to the bout, turning down movies roles to focus all of her attention on her combat career. It was an admirable move on VanZant’s part because usually when Hollywood comes knocking, most people answer the call.

Still, Waterson proved to be too much for VanZant, dominating her from the jump, eventually taking her down with a beautiful throw and forcing her to go to sleep (video replay). While props have to be given to “12 Gauge” for not tapping, the loss is her second in last three outings.

According to VanZant, she simply needs to brush up on her Brazilian jiu-jitsu if she wants to become the best fighter she can be.

“Michelle Waterson’s a really good fighter,” she said. “She used to be the Atomweight champion for Invicta FC, so I know she’s going to go very, very far in this sport. I knew it was going to be a big test for me. Gotta work on my jiu-jitsu, apparently, so I’m going to do that.

“I got caught tonight,” she continued. “It happens. I’m not blaming any other outside factors, no matter what went on. I got caught … and it happens in this sport.”

That said, VanZant is adamant she is meant to be in the spotlight. Whether or not that spotlight will be shining bright for her next inside an eight-walled cage — or in Tinsel Town — remains to be seen. On the bright side, the 22-year old has time on her side, as she has a long road ahead of her when it comes to fighting, which means she’ll have plenty of time to sharpen her submission game, as well as the rest of her arsenal.

When she is ready to return, I’d like to see her get paired up against someone like Joanne Calderwood. Both ladies are coming off tough losses, so their hunger to get back on the winning track will be at an elevated level, which should make for a very hard-nosed battle.

Unless, of course, you have better ideas?

For complete UFC on FOX 22: “VanZant vs Waterson” play-by-play coverage and results click here.