Paige VanZant is getting into every type of combat sport imaginable.
Okay, calling slap fighting “sport” is beyond generous. Regardless, the former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Strawweight and Flyweight hopeful is trying her hand at the defenseless action next.
As out of left field as it seems, VanZant didn’t think twice about accepting her slap-off against Christine Volmarans at Power Slap 8 this weekend (Fri., June 28, 2024).
“I got called if I would do Power Slap, I said, ‘Absolutely,’ and that was it,” VanZant said at UFC 303 media day (h/t MMA Junkie). “Signed the contract and here I am to do Power Slap. I think it’s exciting for me because it’s like, listen, I am a gangster. Whether people want to admit it or not, I am here to slap somebody, it doesn’t matter what organization, what combat sport, I’m here to take over and have some fun.”
VanZant, 30, went 8-5 in her mixed martial arts (MMA) career, which has taken a backseat since she parted ways with UFC in 2020. Since then, VanZant has primarily fought in bare-knuckle boxing (BKB) but recently put the gloves back on for her professional boxing debut opposite Elle Brooke. They fought to a split draw in May 2024 (watch highlights).
No matter the outcome of her Power Slap debut, it may not be the last time VanZant gives it a go.
“I look back at my UFC career, my bare-knuckle boxing career, everything that I’ve done, you can’t take away how tough I am, and this is like that ultimate test of toughness,” VanZant said. “Stand there, and you’ve got to be able to have the balls to be able to get hit.
“I think the narrative for me right now perfectly falls in line with continuing to do Power Slap alongside my boxing,” she continued. “I still intend to box again at the end of the year. I’m waiting for the date on that. This fits in line with that. It’s preparation, it’s preparing to cause damage and try not to take damage, but inevitably, in Power Slap you’re gonna get hit. So, who knows? I am a woman who does whatever the f*ck I want and right now, I want to do Power Slap.”