BKFC president David Feldman has nothing but praises for Paige VanZant.
Last August, former UFC strawweight Paige VanZant signed a “multi-million dollar” deal with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. No exact amount was given, but based on her statement, “12 Gauge” seemed happy with the contract she signed.
Apparently, so is BKFC President David Feldman. Speaking to MMA Fighting in a recent interview, he showed no regrets in his decision to signs PVZ in a lucrative deal.
“Some people looked at me crazy ‘you’re paying her too much, you’re doing this, you’re doing that,’” Feldman said. “I said look I don’t know everything but I know what I’m doing on this stuff and she delivered. She delivered on every aspect that we needed her to deliver on.
“She was worth everything that we gave her and it’s a great partnership. She did everything we wanted her to do and we did everything she wanted us to do. We definitely have a win-win relationship.
“I said in all my interviews and I said to you, I really take my hat off to her because she didn’t have to do this. Now I take my hat off to her even more because she definitely doesn’t have to do this again.
“She’s doing it and she really wants to prove herself and that’s the kind of person that I wanted to be in business with, the kind of person I have a lot of respect for. So I can’t wait to see what she’s going to do. I think she’s going to adapt a lot more. I think she’s really going to take a step up in her next fight.”
The 26-year-old VanZant lost to Britain Hart by decision in her debut early this month. Feldman is already looking to book the next bout, which he says will happen sooner than later.
“I can confidently say Paige VanZant absolutely will be back with us here in early to mid-summer. 100 percent. We are 100 percent in the Paige VanZant business,” he said. “We like being in that business. She delivered for us on every aspect we needed and finished the fight strong so that was very important for us.
“Had she started the fight fast and not finished strong and went a whole different direction, it could be a different conversation but she finished strong and showed the heart she had and that she could adapt to this sport and she did. We’re happy with the performance.”