Paige VanZant is an American MMA fighter, actress, bare-knuckle boxer, professional wrestler, and social media personality. She is one of the most remarkable UFC fighters, who competed in the flyweight division.
Paige Michelle Sletten, also known as Paige VanZant, was born on March 26, 1994, in Dundee, Oregon, the United States. She started by dancing ballet, jazz, and hip hop for over 13 years. Later, she came across UFC veteran Ken Shamrock’s gym, where she began training in boxing and other martial arts.
Paige VanZant MMA career
Paige VanZant started her MMA career in 2012 and fought in the UFC, Invicta FC, UWF, TPFP, etc. She also fought at the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
MMA debut
Paige VanZant made her MMA debut on Jun 30, 2012, at the UWF – Tournament of Warriors Finale. She fought versus Jordan Nicole Gaza and won via split decision.
Early MMA career
On September 22, 2012, she faced Amber Stautzenberger at the TPFP – Premier Fight Series 2 and won via unanimous decision.
Later the same year she signed for a single match with Invicta FC. She faced Tecia Torres at the Invicta FC 4 – Esparza vs. Hyatt on January 5, 2013, and lost via unanimous decision.
On April 6, 2013, Paige VanZant won her fight versus Courtney Himes at BCP – Cage Wars 15 via rear-naked choke submission in the first round.
UFC career
In December 2013, VanZant was announced as one of 11 women signed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) for its newly created Strawweight division.
On November 22, 2014, she debuted at the UFC versus Kailin Curran at the UFC Fight Night 57 – Edgar vs. Swanson. Paige VanZant via the fight is TKO in Round 3.
On April 18, 2015, the American MMA fighter faced Felice Herrig at the UFC on Fox 15 – Machida vs. Rockhold and won the fight via unanimous decision.
On September 5, 2015, she continue her winning series at the UFC, smashing Alex Chambers at the UFC 191 – Johnson vs. Dodson 2 via armbar submission in Round 3.
However, on December 10, 2015, Paige VanZant faced Rose Namajunas at the main event of the UFC Fight Night 80 and lost via rear-naked choke submission in the fifth round. This was her first loss at the UFC and stopped her three-winning series.
On August 27, 2016, Paige VanZant fought versus Bec Rawlings at the UFC on Fox 21 – Maia vs. Condit. She won the fight via KO in the second round.
On December 17, 2016, she faced Michelle Waterson at the main event of the UFC on Fox 22 and lost via rear-naked choke submission.
On January 14, 2018, Paige VanZant registered another loss at the UFC Fight Night 124 – Stephens vs. Choi, where lost via unanimous decision.
On January 19, 2019, she fought versus Rachael Ostovich at the UFC Fight Night 143 – Cejudo vs. Dillashaw and won via armbar submission in the second round.
On July 11, 2020, Paige VanZant fought versus Amanda Ribas at the UFC 251 – Usman vs. Masvidal, losing via armbar submission in the first round. Following her negative series, Paige VanZant was released from the UFC.
She continues her career at the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.