Paige VanZant

Former UFC Star Paige VanZant Signs with GFL: MMA Fans Sound Off on the Fresh Move with Mixed Reactions

Former UFC Star Paige VanZant Signs with GFL: MMA Fans Sound Off on the Fresh Move with Mixed Reactions Paige VanZant is returning to the world of mixed martial arts and fight fans aren’t quite sure how to…

Paige VanZant is returning to the world of mixed martial arts and fight fans aren’t quite sure how to feel about it.

Recently, it was reported that ’12 Gauge’ will once again strap on the four-ounce gloves, this time for the Global Fight League, a well-funded organization that has been gobbling up talent on the free agent market over the last several months in preparation for a 2025 launch.

In addition to VanZant, the GFL has also signed other notable female free agents like Bi Nguyen, Kayla Hracho, Pannie Kianzad, Hannah Goldy, and Mao Ding.

“They are picking up anybody and everybody who has a name in this sport who is a free agent,” VanZant explained (via MMA Junkie). “… So, they offered me a contract, and I said yes. Going back to MMA. I think this is the perfect opportunity because I didn’t necessarily leave MMA.

“I definitely didn’t leave MMA because I wasn’t passionate about it anymore, but leaving when I became a free agent outside of the UFC, the biggest offer that came in was bare-knuckle boxing. They were the ones, they presented the best offer to me and it was exciting, it was new. It definitely sparked my interest.”

VanZant has not competed in MMA since suffering a first-round submission loss against Amanda Ribas in July 2020. Completing the last fight on her UFC contract, VanZant left the promotion in search of greener pastures. She found exactly that in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, inking a million-dollar deal with the promotion. Unfortunately, she failed to live up to the hype, going 0-2 inside the squared circle before essentially exiting the organization.

Since then, she’s made two appearances on Dana White’s latest pet project, Power Slap.

Fans don’t hold back while Reacting to Paige vanZant’s MMA News

Unsurprisingly, VanZant’s MMA comeback has resulted in a variety of reactions from fans on social media, many of them lambasting the GLF for wasting money on a fighter who hasn’t a fight in nearly six years.

However, not everyone online was quick to VanZant’s pairing with the new MMA upstart.

How do you feel about Paige VanZant’s return to mixed martial arts?

Paige VanZant Set For MMA Return After Four-Year Absence: ‘I’m Going To Shock The World’

Former UFC prospect Paige VanZant is set to make her mixed martial arts comeback in 2025 under the banner of a new organization. The one highly touted “12 Gauge” started life on MMA’s biggest stage 3-0 but had her momentum stalled by losses to the likes of Rose Namajunas and Michelle Waterson-Gomez. And a submission […]

Former UFC prospect Paige VanZant is set to make her mixed martial arts comeback in 2025 under the banner of a new organization.

The one highly touted “12 Gauge” started life on MMA’s biggest stage 3-0 but had her momentum stalled by losses to the likes of Rose Namajunas and Michelle Waterson-Gomez. And a submission setback to Amanda Ribas in 2020 that marked her third setback in four fights ultimately came as the end of her UFC journey.

Since then, VanZant has tried her hand at just about everything, from OnlyFans content creation and professional wrestling away from combat sports to bare-knuckle boxing, influencer boxing, and Power Slap in it.

Now, the 30-year-old Oregon native is set to come full circle with a return to MMA, which she announced during a recent episode of her podcast alongside husband Austin Vanderford.

VanZant revealed that she’s become the latest notable name to put pen to paper on a deal with the newly created Global Fight League (GFL) as it gears up to launch this year.

“I need to be in the gym harder and stronger than ever,” VanZant said. “I’m changing gears again. I’m going to shock the world again. … I’m lucky I’m in such a good position that I do get a lot of opportunities that I get to wade through and pick what kind of sparks my interest the most and what’s the most exciting.

“Yeah, I think that I’m stepping back into the world of MMA,” VanZant added. “They (GFL) offered me a contract and I said, ‘Yes’. So, I’m going back to MMA, and I think this is the perfect opportunity because I definitely didn’t leave MMA because I wasn’t passionate about it anymore.”

The former UFC fighter continued, explaining the appeal of adding her name to the upcoming GFL draft this month ahead of the inaugural season.

“Now there’s this new MMA organization that actually made me really excited to fight for them. They are legit paying their athletes,” she said. “Everyone that I’ve heard that has negotiated their contracts so far is extremely excited and happy.

“They’re doing a pension fund for the fighters, and I think health insurance. … You just never know when it’s over, so I wanna do everything I can to make the most money while I can, and be able to provide for my family forever.”

The GFL is claiming to be firmly fighter-first, with a number of advantages for those who compete under its banner. The promotion is adopting a historically debated format in MMA, with city teams competing throughout the year after choosing a roster of 20 fighters split two per weight class.

Thus far, veterans like Wanderlei Silva, Frank Mir, Alexander Gustafsson, Marlon Moraes and Tyron Woodley make up just some of the prominent but ageing names set to feature in the pool from which teams select their fighters.

Read More: UFC Veteran Breaks Down Why Organizations Like The PFL, Global Fight League Are Destined To Fail

Dillon Danis Mocks Paige VanZant’s Facial Transformation with Brutal One-Word Reaction

Dillon Danis offered a one-word response to a recent photo of Paige VanZant making the rounds on social media….

Dillon Danis offered a one-word response to a recent photo of Paige VanZant making the rounds on social media.

Ahead of her professional boxing debut against Elle Brooke in May, VanZant threw some shade at Danis by suggesting that he’s not a real fighter. That sparked a fiery back-and-forth between the two with Danis levying accusations that ’12 Gauge’ had cheated on her husband Austin Vanderford with him on more than one occasion.

That prompted VanZant to hop on social media and absolutely eviscerate Danis.

“It has come to my attention that there is a certain clown on Instagram by the name of Dillon Danis trying to talk some shit and stir up some drama,” VanZant said on Instagram. “So let’s f*cking go, right? Dillon, obviously I said you’re not a real fighter. My bad, I triggered you. I understand that hurt your feelings. But instead of coming back and talking shit about me and saying I’m not a real fighter, what did you do? You kind of f*cked yourself, right? You backed yourself into a corner because now you have to come with proof of this alleged affair, right?

“Because the only time I remember ever seeing you in Vegas was at the UFC athlete retreat. You walked up to me in a bar and asked me to peg you in front of multiple other UFC fighters, and I laughed in your face. That’s not the definition of a relationship, is it?”

In the time since, Danis has continued to attack VanZant by spreading a series of rumors and directing insults at the OnlyFans model. Recently, the former Conor McGregor coach trolled VanZant by sharing a recent photo of her face compared to what she looked like during her UFC tenure.

bruh @paigevanzant pic.twitter.com/eGOpELH2dB

— Dillon Danis (@dillondanis) December 28, 2024

“bruh @paigevanzant,” Danis wrote.

Paige VanZant hasn’t won a fight in six years

Despite a serious lack of wins over the last six years, Paige VanZant has continued to be one of combat sport’s most prominent figures. Of course, much of that has little to do with her skills inside the ring or the cage.

After amassing a middling 5-4 record under the UFC banner, VanZant looked to parlay her online popularity into a lucrative contract with another organization. It didn’t take long for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship to throw down a million-dollar deal to secure VanZant’s services.

Unfortunately, ’12 Gauge’ failed to live up to the hype, suffering back-to-back losses inside the squared circle against Britain Hart and Rachael Ostovich.

Since then, her appearances have been few and far between. She made her boxing debut in May against Elle Brooke under the Misfits Boxing banner, but once again failed to walk away with her hand raised. She’s also made a couple of appearances on Dana White’s latest pet project, Power Slap.

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Her last win away from the Power Slap podium came against Rachael Ostovich at UFC on ESPN+ 1 in January 2019.

Paige VanZant Leaked the Secret to Her Fighter-Ready Body. Find Out Her Full Training Plan

Paige VanZant leaked her workout routine. Paige VanZant, the UFC veteran and current BKFC competitor, is known for her…

Paige VanZant leaked her workout routine. Paige VanZant, the UFC veteran and current BKFC competitor, is known for her fighting style and personality.

Whether she’s in the Octagon or preparing for a new challenge, VanZant maintains her impressive physique with a rigorous training regimen. A typical day at the gym includes a two-hour workout packed with a mix of warmups, plyometrics, shadowboxing, kickboxing, and strength exercises. Paige VanZant leaked her training routine that works for MMA, UFC, modeling, and even slapfighting.

Paige VanZant Leaked Her Workout Plan

Paige VanZant Leaks the Secret to Her Fighter Ready Body. Find Out Her Full Training Plan 8

Below is a breakdown of VanZant’s favorite drills and moves that help keep her in top shape:

1. Box Jump: Explosive Strength

Works: Glutes and Legs
To improve explosive strength, VanZant starts with box jumps. From a shoulder-width stance, she drops into a quarter-squat, swings her arms, and uses momentum to jump onto a box. Each set consists of 10–12 reps.

Paige VanZant Leaks the Secret to Her Fighter Ready Body. Find Out Her Full Training Plan 1

2. Jump Rope Combo: Agility and Coordination

Works: Arms, Legs
This classic drill boosts endurance and agility. VanZant alternates between basic jumps, side swings, and crosses, aiming for at least 10 minutes of continuous rope jumping.

Paige VanZant Leaks the Secret to Her Fighter Ready Body. Find Out Her Full Training Plan 5

3. Shadowboxing: Stamina and Technique

Works: Shoulders, Arms, Core
VanZant performs a series of punches, left jab, right punch, left hook, and right uppercut while maintaining a fighter’s stance. This exercise not only builds stamina but also enhances technique and precision.

4. High Kick: Flexibility and Power

Works: Legs and Core
VanZant’s high kicks are crucial for improving leg strength and flexibility. With her left foot forward, she sharply lifts her right leg, pivoting off her left to land the kick with power.

5. Flying Knee: Explosiveness

Works: Core and Legs
A move VanZant often uses in the ring, the flying knee requires explosive power. From her fighter stance, she springs forward, driving her knee into a target, such as a bag, while protecting her face.

6. Cardio Side Kick: Endurance

Works: Core, Legs
The side kick combines agility with endurance. VanZant brings her left knee to hip height, pivoting her right foot, and then extends her left leg parallel to the floor in a swift, powerful kick. Paige VanZant leaked the secret to her kicking success, a must-know technique.

7. Kick the Can: Precision and Power

Works: Legs
VanZant’s signature kick, used to finish her fight against Bec “Rowdy” Rawlings, involves a fake low kick followed by a high roundhouse. This sequence demands precision and explosive power.

8. Handstand Walks: Balance and Core Strength

Works: Upper Body and Core
For a full-body challenge, VanZant practices handstand walks, keeping her core tight and legs straight while she moves her hands forward, building upper body strength and balance. Paige VanZant leaked a pretty wild workout here, to recommend for everyone

9. Fighter Pushup: Upper Body and Core

Works: Chest, Shoulders, Arms, Core
The fighter pushup is a variation of the traditional pushup, performed with fists rather than palms. This move strengthens the chest, shoulders, and core, with 2–3 sets of 20 reps for a full workout.

10. Heavy Bag Sit-Up: Core Strength

Works: Core
Paige VanZant finishes her workout with heavy bag sit-ups, wrapping her legs around a heavy bag for support while performing sit-ups. This exercise targets the core, with 2–3 sets of 10–15 reps.

Paige VanZant leaked her intense training routine showing commitment and determination. It’s no surprise that she’s able to maintain such an impressive physique. Whether she’s stepping into the Octagon or pursuing her other venture, such as modeling, content creation, and even writing a book. VanZant’s athleticism and dedication remain at the forefront of her career.

Paige VanZant Leaked the Secret to Her Fighter-Ready Body. Find Out Her Full Training Plan

Paige VanZant leaked her workout routine. Paige VanZant, the UFC veteran and current BKFC competitor, is known for her…

Paige VanZant leaked her workout routine. Paige VanZant, the UFC veteran and current BKFC competitor, is known for her fighting style and personality.

Paige VanZant Leaked Her Workout Plan

Below is a breakdown of VanZant’s favorite drills and moves that help keep her in top shape:

1. Box Jump: Explosive Strength

2. Jump Rope Combo: Agility and Coordination

Works: Arms, Legs
This classic drill boosts endurance and agility. VanZant alternates between basic jumps, side swings, and crosses, aiming for at least 10 minutes of continuous rope jumping.

3. Shadowboxing: Stamina and Technique

4. High Kick: Flexibility and Power

5. Flying Knee: Explosiveness

6. Cardio Side Kick: Endurance

7. Kick the Can: Precision and Power

8. Handstand Walks: Balance and Core Strength

9. Fighter Pushup: Upper Body and Core

10. Heavy Bag Sit-Up: Core Strength

When Paige VanZant’s Airport Mix-Up Lead to Embarrassing Sex Tape Reveal

In a hilariously awkward turn of events, former UFC star Paige VanZant inadvertently revealed the existence of a sex…

In a hilariously awkward turn of events, former UFC star Paige VanZant inadvertently revealed the existence of a sex tape during an airport identity mix-up.

Paige VanZant’s Sex Tape?

Paige VanZant took her story to X, explaining that she was en route to Texas when airline staff questioned her identity. The booking was made under her professional name, VanZant, rather than her legally married name, Paige Vanderford. To resolve the confusion, the bare-knuckle boxer and AEW wrestler decided to prove her identity by googling herself in front of the staff.

The plan backfired spectacularly when the first search result displayed was an article referencing a sex tape she made with her husband, Bellator fighter Austin Vanderford.

“Let’s just say I won’t be googling myself in public anytime soon,” VanZant joked on social media, sharing her mortification.

Earlier this year, during an Instagram Q&A, VanZant had confirmed the existence of the tape, stating, “Would I ever share it, sell it, promote it? Hmm, that’s a different story.” The couple, who tied the knot in 2018, seems content keeping the tape private, though VanZant has capitalized on her allure through a subscription-based platform featuring risqué content.

Paige VanZant’s career has taken several twists and turns since her UFC debut at age 20. After amassing a 5-4 record in the promotion, she transitioned to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, professional wrestling with AEW, and even Dana White’s Power Slap league. While she’s hinted at a potential return to the cage, she admits fighting has become more of a “part-time hobby.”

Despite setbacks in combat sports, VanZant has found financial success outside the ring. Her modeling and subscription-based content reportedly earned her more than her fighting career ever did. As for whether the infamous tape will ever see the light of day, fans will just have to keep wondering, though VanZant’s latest airport anecdote proves that sometimes, the internet has a sense of humor.