Tag: Paige VanZant

Paige VanZant’s opponent reveled for BKFC 27 in London

Paige VanZant’s has a name for her return at BKFC 27 in London.

[autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag]’s opponent for her return to the ring has been revealed.

The former UFC contender now turned bareknuckle boxer is set to take on [autotag]Charisa Sigala[/autotag] at BKFC 27 in London on Aug. 20. The news was confirmed by MMA Junkie on Friday, following an initial report by MMA Fighting.

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This bout marks VanZant’s first fight of 2022. The last time the 28-year-old was seen in action was in July 2021 when she lost a unanimous decision to Rachael Ostovich in the main event of BKFC 29. VanZant is 0-2 in bareknuckle boxing.

VanZant is mainly known for her stint in the UFC where she competed for six years. She fought 11 times under the UFC banner, compiling a record of 6-5.

Meanwhile, Sigala is also a former MMA fighter turned bareknuckle boxer. The 38-year-old fought in MMA from 2015 to 2020, going 4-2. She’s 1-2-1 in bareknuckle boxing. Sigala last competed in March, fighting Angela Danzig to a draw.

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From UFC to BKFC to AEW: Paige VanZant reflects on latest chapter after in-ring debut

Paige VanZant made her in-ring debut Sunday at Double or Nothing and she sees a lot of room for improvement.

After including former UFC fighter [autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag] in storylines involving American Top Team and signing her to a contract, AEW waited a bit before giving her an in-ring debut. That came in a six-person mixed tag match at Double or Nothing in Las Vegas on Sunday, and now VanZant can’t wait to get back in the ring — this time on her own.

The Schmo talked with VanZant after Double or Nothing to get her assessment on how her first-ever pro wrestling match turned out. Her team, which included TNT Champion Scorpio Sky and his Men of the Year partner, Ethan Page, emerged victorious, and she was pleased she got to show off what she’s picked up so far while contributing to the effort.

“I’m feeling great, I went out there, we got the win … I showed everybody I’m meant to be a pro wrestler, too,” VanZant said. “… I never give myself a perfect grade. There’s always room for improvement. I’m only going to get better. I just started training pro wrestling, but you got to see how quickly I picked up pro wrestling moves, and I showed all the girls in the division they got somebody to look out for.”

That raises the obvious question of when AEW might feel VanZant is ready for a singles match. Though understandably still green, she also has a reputation as a hard worker who has the potential to pick up the necessary skills quickly. AEW had great success building Jade Cargill, who was similarly inexperienced when arriving in the company, into a star.

Asked about a potential singles debut, VanZant said she’d prefer sooner rather than later.

“I hope soon,” VanZant said. “I came out of this match unscathed, I have zero injuries because I put on a dominant performance. I can’t wait for my solo match.”

VanZant, 28, made occasional appearances on AEW programming over the past year, while she also juggled her bare-knuckle career. As it stands, VanZant still has one fight left on her BKFC contract. With her dive into pro wrestling, it’s unclear when or if it will take place.

This story first appeared on Wrestling Junkie. MMA Junkie staff added additional MMA-centric language to this version.

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After Double or Nothing debut, Paige VanZant ‘can’t wait’ for AEW solo match

Speaking after her AEW debut at Double or Nothing, Paige VanZant said she “can’t wait” for her first singles match.

After including former UFC fighter Paige VanZant in storylines involving American Top Team and signing her to a contract, AEW waited a bit before giving her an in-ring debut. That came in a six-person mixed tag match at Double or Nothing in Las Vegas on May 29, and now VanZant can’t wait to get back in the ring — this time on her own.

The Schmo talked with VanZant after Double or Nothing to get her assessment on how her first ever pro wrestling match turned out. Her team, which included TNT Champion Scorpio Sky and his Men of the Year partner, Ethan Page, emerged victorious, and she was pleased she got to show off what she’s picked up so far while contributing to the effort.

“I’m feeling great, I went out there, we got the win … I showed everybody I’m meant to be a pro wrestler, too,” VanZant said.

“I never give myself a perfect grade,” she added when asked how she’d grade her debut. “There’s always room for improvement. I’m only going to get better. I just started training pro wrestling, but you got to see how quickly I picked up pro wrestling moves, and I showed all the girls in the division they got somebody to look out for.”

That raises the obvious question of when AEW might feel VanZant is ready for a singles match. Though understandably still green, she also has a reputation as a hard worker who has the potential to pick up the necessary skills quickly. And AEW has had great success building Jade Cargill, who was similarly inexperienced when arriving in the company, into a star.

Asked about a potential singles debut, VanZant said she’d prefer it come sooner rather than later.

“I hope soon,” VanZant said. “I came out of this match unscathed, I have zero injuries because I put on a dominant performance. I can’t wait for my solo match.”

Video: Paige VanZant makes official AEW in-ring debut, continues rivalry with Tay Conti

Former UFC and current BKFC fighter Paige VanZant has had a few appearances for AEW in the pro wrestling arena in the past few months.

Former UFC fighter and current BKFC fighter [autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag] has had a few appearances for AEW in the pro wrestling arena in the past few months.

But Sunday, she made her official debut with the promotion at AEW’s “Double or Nothing” at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. And by most accounts, it was a successful launch.

“12 Gauge” teamed up with Men of the Year (Ethan Page and Scorpio Sky) to take out Frankie Kazarian, Sammy Guevara and Tay Conti in a mixed tag-team match.

Pro wrestling fans may recall it was Conti with whom VanZant had early beef with in AEW storylines. In March, VanZant appeared on an AEW “Dynamite” episode and attacked Conti. Then she signed her AEW contract on top of Conti in the ring.

Check out the highlights from VanZant’s in-ring debut in the video above.

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Paige VanZant expected to be added to AEW Double or Nothing card

A match featuring former UFC star Paige VanZant is “listed” for AEW Double or Nothing in Las Vegas on May 29.

It’s not definite yet, but MMA star Paige VanZant could be making her AEW in-ring debut this Sunday at Double or Nothing.

On the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said a match pairing VanZant with either Scorpio Sky or Ethan Page against Sammy Guevara and Tay Conti is “listed” for the pay-per-view, which takes place May 29 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (h/t to Andrew Ravens of WrestlingNews.co for the transcription).

They’re still going to do something with Sammy Guevara and Scorpio Sky. So the plan for sure was a mixed tag. …

They said they were gonna do it until they get the match they want, and they made it very clear the match they wanted was Sammy and Tay against Paige VanZant and Scorpio Sky or Ethan Page, they want that mixed tag. Unless something changed, the mixed tag is it….I was outright told over the weekend that it was listed. Until it’s announced it’s not announced, they could do it a different way. But, I was actually outright told that the match is tentatively scheduled for the pay-per-view.

VanZant’s most recent appearance on AEW programming came on the April 27 episode of AEW Dynamite, when she assisted Sky in winning the TNT Championship from Guevara in a Ladder match. The former UFC fighter was said to have signed with AEW in March, but she has yet to compete in an official match.

VanZant sparked some speculation of her own by posting new clips of some of her pro wrestling training on Twitter this weekend.

The rivalry between Sky and Guevara has included Sky’s Men of the Year partner Page and American Top Team head Dan Lambert, as well as Guevara’s girlfriend and fellow AEW wrestler Conti. But it has been somewhat confusing at times, with Sky’s side demanding a mixed tag team match — that would presumably involve VanZant — without spelling out exactly who would be in it or where it would take place.

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Double or Nothing would be a perfect time for it, if AEW feels it has time on what is already a pretty loaded card. The promotion has live episodes of Dynamite and Rampage set for Las Vegas this week that should provide an answer as to whether fans will finally see VanZant as a pro wrestler during the holiday weekend.

Paige VanZant seeks first BKFC win on July 16: ‘Losing has never gotten easier’

Paige VanZant hopes to notch her first combat sports win in three-and-a-half years when she returns to BKFC this summer.

[autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag]’s nearly yearlong hiatus from fighting is approaching its end, and she’s eager to secure victory in a competitive setting for the first time in three-and-a-half years.

VanZant is set to return to the Bare Knuckle FC ring on July 16 when she headlines the promotion’s inaugural event in London. It’s an important moment for “12 Gauge,” who come up short on the scorecards in her first two appearances with the company against Britain Hart and Rachael Ostovich.

Although she does not yet have an opponent finalized, VanZant said she will do everything in her power to achieve victory no matter who is standing across from her, because she is not content with the winless stretch since leaving the UFC.

“One thing I can find peace in is that, for me, losing has never gotten easier – it just gets harder and harder,” VanZant told MMA Junkie. “I know how much my heart is still in this and my mind. I just put a lot of pressure on myself. It’s the same thing that I’ll be doing in this next fight. I’m going to go out there and do everything I can to get the victory.

“I can say, looking back at my last two fights, I was never dominated, I was never in a position where I was uncomfortable. I can pride myself knowing that I have got better and better and my boxing continuously is getting better. I’ve had some very close, tough, hard-fought fights with some very talented women. I’m excited to go out there and do that again. This time, of course, continue to grow and go for a victory like I always do.”

Despite knowing the significance of the next fight for the overall outlook of her career, VanZant, 28, does not appear to be viewing it as a make-or-break for her future. She said her team is currently in the early stages of talks with BKFC about a contract extension that would keep her on the roster for the foreseeable future.

In the meantime, VanZant’s efforts are directed toward July 16. She said she’s working with a new boxing coach at American Top Team and, nearly a year removed from her previous trip to the BKFC ring, expects to be a far better version of herself.

“It definitely has felt like a year, it has felt like a very long time,” VanZant said. “Unfortunately it just happens the way the world works sometimes. But I’m really excited. I’m excited to go out there again and show my boxing and show how much I’ve improved. I’m still learning a brand new sport and I’m excited to grow within BKFC. I’ve talked to them about a contract extension so I plan to grow with them and grow in the bare knuckle boxing world.”

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Former UFC star Paige VanZant to headline BKFC’s first European event in London

Paige VanZant headlines BKFC’s first European event on July 9.

[autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag] will return to action this summer.

Bare Knuckle FC president David Felman announced on Thursday that VanZant, a former UFC star, is set to headline a BKFC event July 9 in London. The event will take place at the Alexandra Palace, marking the promotion’s first time in Europe. VanZant’s opponent hasn’t been determined.

Additionally, BKFC also announced a second European event for Rotterdam, Netherlands on August 6.

VanZant most recently fought in July 2021 at BKFC 19 where she lost a unanimous decision to fellow former UFC fighter Rachael Ostovich. The loss to Ostovich marked her second straight defeat since leaving the UFC and signing with BKFC.

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VanZant most notably competed for the UFC from 2014 to 2020. She compiled a record of 5-4 in the promotion, picking up notable wins over Felice Herrig, Bec Rawlings and Ostovich.

VanZant, who also models, recently signed a pro wrestling contract with All Elite Wrestling after making several television appearances alongside American Top Team found Dan Lambert and other teammates.

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UFC veteran Jimmie Rivera officially signs with BKFC, expected to debut on May 6

Former UFC bantamweight contender Jimmie Rivera will test his skills in bareknuckle competition.

Bare Knuckle FC has officially announced the signing of another former UFC fighter.

As previously reported, bantamweight competitor [autotag]Jimmie Rivera[/autotag] was expected to join the promotion following his exit from the UFC. On Monday, BKFC announced via press release that pen has been put to paper, and Rivera is now set to make his debut with the promotion at BKFC 25 on Friday, May 6. The event will take place in Orlando, Fla., and Rivera’s opponent will be announced in the coming days.

Rivera has been fighting in the UFC since 2015, where he fought 11 times against the best in the bantamweight division, in addition to one fight at featherweight. He now joins a number of former UFC fighters to make the switch to bareknuckle competition, including [autotag]Chad Mendes[/autotag], [autotag]Mike Perry[/autotag], [autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag], [autotag]Rachel Ostovich[/autotag], [autotag]Chris Leben[/autotag], [autotag]Hector Lombard[/autotag], and more.

During his best stretch under the UFC banner, Rivera won five straight, picking up consecutive wins over Marcus Brimage, Pedro Munhoz, Iuri Alcantara, Urijah Faber, and Thomas Almeida. At UFC Fight Night 131, he competed in the lone main event of his run with the promotion against Marlon Moraes, which unfortunately did not go in his favor.

Rivera’s last victory with the promotion came on short notice in the featherweight division, where he outpointed Cody Stamann in a hard-fought 15-minute battle.

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Paige VanZant signs with AEW, set to officially make pro wrestling debut

From mixed martial artist to bare-knuckle boxer, Paige VanZant can now add “professional wrestler” to her resume.

From mixed martial artist to bare-knuckle boxer, [autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag] can now add “professional wrestler” to her resume.

The former UFC star officially has signed with All Elite Wrestling. VanZant signed her contract during a segment on Wednesday night’s “Dynamite” episode. Her signing also was announced by AEW president Tony Khan on Twitter.

The terms of VanZant’s deal aren’t known. ESPN, citing sources, reported that a plan is in place for VanZant to begin professional wrestling training.

VanZant, 27, has appeared on AEW programming since last September. Her appearances started out as part of a storyline in which American Top Team fighters, led by ATT gym owner Dan Lambert, invaded matches. Lambert has been a mainstay ever since, with the likes of Jorge Masvidal, Junior Dos Santos, VanZant’s husband Austin Vanderford, and others joining him at various times. Dos Santos competed in a tag-team match.

VanZant signed her contract at the end of Wednesday night’s show after match between Scorpio Sky, whom Lambert manages as part of a storyline, and Sammy Guevara. VanZant could begin feuding with Guevara’s real-life girlfriend and former WWE wrestler, Tay Conti, as part of a story. VanZant’s first official match is still to be determined.

It’s unclear what VanZant’s AEW signing will mean for her Bare Knuckle FC tenure. Although she’s 0-2 in bare-knuckle, BKFC president David Feldman told MMA Junkie last month that he had “really good things planned” for VanZant and targeted her return “in late spring, early summer.”

VanZant signed with BKFC in August 2020 after a six-year UFC tenure in which she went 5-4. Aside from combat sports, VanZant’s profile grew after she finished second on “Dancing With The Stars” in 2016.

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David Feldman announces Triller’s majority stake acquisition of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship

Founder of the bareknuckle promotion announced Triller has acquired a majority of the company.

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship has a new majority stakeholder.

On Wednesday, the founder of the promotion,[autotag] David Feldman[/autotag], announced Triller, a social media company that has expanded into the promotion of boxing and other combat sports events, has acquired a majority stake of BKFC.

BKFC was founded in 2018, bringing sanctioned bareknuckle boxing events to the United States for the first time since the late 1800s. The popularity of the promotion has attracted many notable combat sports athletes who made their names in traditional boxing and mixed martial arts. A number of UFC veterans have tested their skills under the BKFC banner including [autotag]Mike Perry[/autotag], [autotag]Chad Mendes[/autotag], [autotag]Artem Lobov[/autotag], [autotag]Bec Rawlings[/autotag], [autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag], [autotag]Rachael Ostovich[/autotag], and many others.

“We got to a point where we’re pretty well accepted among the combat sports community right now, and we needed to make a partnership that was going to take us to the next level,” Feldman said on The MMA Hour. “Create more opportunities, more resources, more funding, more things like that to acquire some more fighters, take care of the fighters that are already there, and just create more opportunities for everybody.”

Feldman stated the combat sport is currently legal in 14 states, with the goal of reaching 22 by the end of 2022. He continued to explain how the acquisition by Triller will not change how BKFC events are currently promoted, nor cause a change in broadcasting plans.

“Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship will remain as-is,” Feldman stated. “We will be self-sustained as far as operations continue, the fighters, everything. Nothing is really going to change in the operations of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, we’re now just going to have more assets, more resources, and more possibilities.”

Triller has hosted a number of boxing events and special rules combat sports events like Triad Combat since entering the fight game in 2020. The company promoted pay-per-view events featuring legends of boxing and MMA, creating matchups such as Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. and [autotag]Vitor Belfort[/autotag] vs. Evander Holyfield.

Triller’s first Triad Combat event, which pitted teams of MMA fighters against boxers with special rules inside a triangular boxing ring, was headlined by former UFC champion [autotag]Frank Mir[/autotag] against boxing’s Kubrat Pulev.

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