Tag: Paige VanZant

BKFC has ‘really good things planned’ for Paige VanZant, but next fight could be her last

BKFC president David Feldman expects Paige VanZant to return by this summer, and a lot could be riding on that fight.

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – It looks like [autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag] will give bareknuckle boxing another go.

The former UFC star is targeting a return to the ring in the coming months, according to BKFC president [autotag]David Feldman[/autotag]. VanZant was most recently seen in action 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. The loss left many fans wondering if VanZant would return to the ring again, but Feldman said she’ll be back.

“She’ll definitely be back in late spring, early summer. One hundred percent, Paige will be back,” Feldman told MMA Junkie. “We have some really good things planned for her.

“The thing about Paige VanZant is that she didn’t win either fight, but she came to fight and she fought her ass off both times. She did really well. She didn’t take a backwards step. And look, it’s a different sport. She’s learning it. So for her to want to fight again in bareknuckle after taking two losses, you have to take your hat off to the girl. I look forward to her comeback.”

[lawrence-related id=2525602,2525172]

Feldman knows VanZant’s bareknuckle boxing career could be in jeopardy in a return since she’s currently winless in the sport. However, the BKFC president remains optimistic on the 27-year-old’s upside.

“If she wins this fight, then she has a future,” Feldman said. “If she loses this fight, she’s probably not going to want to do this, either, and we’ll part ways amicably. But I don’t expect that to happen. I think she’s learned this craft, and she has a lot of tenacity. I do expect her to perform even better this time.”

[vertical-gallery id=2525432]

Video: Paige VanZant shines much-needed light on fighters’ mental health

Paige VanZant’s recent comments are not to be taken lightly.

[autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag] opened up in the latest edition of her’s and husband Austin Vanderford’s video blog in which she admits she became quite depressed following her most recent defeat.

In the immediate aftermath of losing to Rachael Ostovich at Bare Knuckle FC 19 last month, VanZant was defiant as she flipped the bird and sent a message to her haters. But she was candid in her video blog about how dark things were for her, even saying “I didn’t want to live anymore.”

The video shined a light on fighters’ mental health. We say all the time that combat sports feature the highest of highs and lowest of lows, but what can we take out of comments like this? Does something more need to be done in MMA regarding the mental health of athletes? Our “Spinning Back Clique” panel of Matthew Wells, Nolan King and Brian “Goze” Garcia weighed in with host John Morgan.

You can watch their discussion in the video above, or check out the full episode below.

 

Spinning Back Clique: Sean O’Malley’s career strategy, Paige VanZant’s revelation, Rory MacDonald’s future, more

Check out this week’s “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts.

Check out this week’s “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts.

This week, our panel discusses A.J. McKee’s title win at Bellator 263 and if that makes him the best featherweight in the world. Plus, they dive into MMA fighter pay in the aftermath of Cheyanne Buys’ UFC on ESPN 28 win and subsequent viral revelation; Sean Strickland’s post-fight speech; Bellator and UFC breakout performances; and upcoming heavyweight potential fights.

Our “Spinning Back Clique” panel this week of Matthew Wells, Nolan King and Brian “Goze” Garcia discusses these topics and more with host John Morgan.

  • This past weekend, the PFL kicked off the promotion’s 2021 playoffs, and in a featured bout, Ray Cooper III shut out [autotag]Rory MacDonald[/autotag] on the scorecards. While he’s just 32, MacDonald has been fighting for 16 years, and he’s now just 1-3 in his past 4 fights, dating back to his run in Bellator. “The Canadian Psycho” has given us a ton of highlights during his storied career, but what does the future hold? Are his days as an elite fighter over?
  • [autotag]Sean O’Malley[/autotag] made a few statements recently that were quite logical in nature but may have riled up fans a bit in which he admitted financially, there’s no real incentive for him to take on higher-ranked opponents at this point in his career. What do you make of his logic? Is he right?
  • [autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag] opened up in the latest edition of her and her husband’s video blog, admitting she became quite depressed following her recent BKFC loss and even saying “I didn’t want to live anymore.” We say all the time that this sport features the highest of highs and the lowest of lows – but what can we take out of comments like this? Does something more need to be done in MMA regarding mental health of the athletes?
  • [autotag]Gable Steveson[/autotag] claimed Olympic gold in wrestling over in Japan, capping off an incredible run there for the U.S. team, and there’s seems to be a lot of hype around Steveson potentially making the transition to MMA right away. We know that wrestling id a great base for MMA, but it’s obviously not all that you need to win. What’s the biggest career advice you would give to Steveson or any other Olympian making their way into the sport. Is there a promotion they should chase? A camp they should start at? Any training methodologies? What’s the advice?
  • Looking to this weekend guys, it’s a fight fan’s dream. PFL on Thursday, Bellator on Friday and UFC on Saturday. You’ve got Kayla Harrison vs. Genah Fabian, Cheick Kongo vs. Sergei Kharitonov and Jared Cannonier vs. Kelvin Gastelum in the headliners, but not everyone has the luxury of spending all three nights watching MMA, so narrow it down – what’s one fight on these three cards outside of the headliners that absolutely should not be missed?

‘I didn’t want to live anymore:’ Paige VanZant candidly speaks on mental state after BKFC loss

Paige VanZant reveals that she was in a dark place immediately following her loss to Rachael Ostovich at BKFC 19.

[autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag] put on a brave face and flipped the bird on social media in the immediate aftermath of her latest defeat, but she was hurting inside.

On the latest episode of “A Kickass Love Story,” her video blog with husband Austin Vanderford, VanZant reflected on her performance at Bare Knuckle FC 19 and, more importantly, her mental health in the aftermath of losing to Rachael Ostovich.

“I’m bummed out. I mean, I’m bummed out to say the least. Everyone expects me to lose, and everyone expects me to fail,” an emotional VanZant said, her face still swollen from the fight. “I don’t know, I just feel like people have this specific perception of who I am and especially online. It’s crazy how much people can hate on a single person. I just don’t get it. I pride myself on being a good person, and I think that’s the most important thing for me: I never talk bad about my opponents. I never say a single negative thing about their character. You never know what somebody is going through, and you never know what someone is on the verge of.”

[lawrence-related id=658454,652416,649593]

VanZant, 27, is now 0-2 in BKFC after leaving the UFC, where she closed out her tenure losing three of her final four fights.

VanZant said that, when she left the ring immediately upon hearing the announcement that she’d lost, she walked all the way to the parking lot and cried by herself. She also said some “pretty terrible things” to Vanderford.

“I told him I didn’t want to live anymore, that this wasn’t for me anymore,” VanZant said. “Life wasn’t for me anymore. It’s disappointing. It was hard.”

She continued, “It can be hard when Austin and I are married, and he keeps winning, and I keep losing. But honestly, him and his success is like the only thing that keeps me going, because I do feel like we win together. His next fight will be for a title, and I know he’s gonna win. I just know how good it’s gonna feel for him and for me, and I’m so happy. I’m so proud of him. His title fight to look forward to is all worth it.”

You can watch the full episode of “A Kickass Love Story” in the video above.

[vertical-gallery id=648785]

[vertical-gallery id=388806]

Video: What needs to happen for Paige VanZant now that’s she’s 0-2 in BKFC?

Paige VanZant made big news when she turned to the bareknuckle boxing world. But this past Friday, she fell to 0-2 for BKFC.

[autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag] made big news when she left the UFC and turned to the world of bareknuckle boxing.

But this past Friday, she lost her second fight under the BKFC banner, and that left a lot of critics wondering just what she should do next if she can’t pick up wins in this phase of her career.

Our “Spinning Back Clique” host John Morgan asked this week’s panel of George Garcia, Mike Bohn and Nolan King just what needs to happen for VanZant now that she’s 0-2 in the bareknuckle game.

[lawrence-related id=649593,649368,648747]

Check out that topic in the video above, and don’t miss the full episode below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROil_04S684

[listicle id=648407]

[vertical-gallery id=648785]

[vertical-gallery id=388806]

[listicle id=554627]

Spinning Back Clique: What’s next for Paige VanZant? T.J. Dillashaw? And what’s at stake with Patricio Freire vs. A.J. McKee?

Check out this week’s “Spinning Back Clique” where the panel discusses the hottest topics in the world of MMA.

Check out the latest edition of “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly show that takes a quick spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts.

This week, our panel discusses the futures of T.J. Dillashaw and Paige VanZant, while also looking back to an incredible UFC on ESPN 27 event, as well as previewing a busy weekend that includes UFC on ESPN 28 and Bellator 263.

Our “Spinning Back Clique” panel this week of Mike Bohn, Nolan King and “Gorgeous” George Garica discusses these topics and more, along with host John Morgan.

  • This past weekend, [autotag]T.J. Dillashaw[/autotag] returned from a two-year suspension and picked up a win over top contender Cory Sandhagen at UFC on ESPN 27. Dillashaw has made it clear he wants his belt back and wants the winner of the upcoming Aljamain Steling vs. Petr Yan rematch, but that’s not for another three months, so he may need to take another fight to stay busy. Is there a fight to make for Dillashaw in the meantime, or has he done enough to get a title shot?
  • UFC on ESPN 27 featured a number of other fantastic performances on that card, which was really exciting from start to finish. Who was the standout performer for you? Anyone make a statement that will stick with you?
  • Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship held an event this past weekend, as well, and Rachael Ostovich picked up a decision win over [autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag], who is now 0-2 in the promotion. VanZant was still smiling as she gave Instagram the old Stockton salute, but where does she go from here? Does she stick with BKFC, or is a return to MMA in order? What’s the move?
  • In one of the biggest fights in Bellator history, [autotag]Patricio Freire[/autotag] and [autotag]A.J. McKee[/autotag] headline this weekend’s Bellator 263 event for both the promotion’s featherweight title and a grand prix belt. A lot is on the line here, but who’s facing the most pressure in this moment – and does either fighter have a clear edge in the matchup?
  • Looking ahead to this weekend, [autotag]Uriah Hall[/autotag] and [autotag]Sean Strickland[/autotag] headline UFC on ESPN 28. Both fighters bring four-fight win streaks into this matchup and are looking to prove they belong among the division’s elite. Who’s got more on the line in this contest – and are there any other fights on this card we should be watching for this weekend?

Hope you enjoy this week’s show. Watch the full episode of “Spinning Back Clique” above.

[vertical-gallery id=648785]

‘Guess what b*itches’? Paige VanZant is ‘still smiling’ after BKFC 19 loss to Rachael Ostovich

If you think Paige VanZant is dwelling on her loss to Rachael Ostovich, think again.

Think [autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag] is dwelling on her latest setback? Think again.

Since parting ways with the UFC, VanZant moved to 0-2 as a bare-knuckle boxer Friday night when she lost a unanimous decision to Rachael Ostovich in the Bare Knuckle FC 19 main event. VanZant, clearly upset by the judges’ scores, stormed out of the ring once the decision was announced.

While VanZant’s start to her post-UFC career hasn’t unfolded the way she planned, it seems she’s intent to fight on with BKFC. VanZant got that message across Saturday by sharing an Instagram photo in which she’s flipping off the camera. Her caption was both defiant and inspirational as she seemed to take aim at critics.

Guess what bitches???!! I’m still smiling!!! My story is full of setbacks, road blocks and detours. But, it is also filled with major comebacks, peace in my soul and a grace that saved my life. I promise you this, I would endure this pain everyday of my life over the pain of regret. I am going to keep chasing my dream one step at a time. 99.9% of the people on earth would not dare do what I do. This story will be even better then my first. And if you haven’t read my book before click the link in my bio. That is real pain. This is just a bad chapter. And to anyone out there struggling. Pain is only for a moment. The world may be dark and love to hate on you, but darkness does not drive out darkness only light can do that. So DO NOT STOP SHINING!!!! ✨❤️

VanZant, 27, parted ways with the UFC last year after losing three of her final four fights. Her lone victory was a January 2019 submission of Ostovich.

Prior to BKFC 19, promotion president David Feldman said everything was at stake for VanZant against Ostovich and expressed some doubt about whether she’d want to continue if she lost.

Based on her Instagram post, though, it looks like VanZant has no intention of quitting.

[vertical-gallery id=648785]

[mm-video type=video id=01fbbhnzc3sj6vtmre9a playlist_id=none player_id=01eqvpqbw4ymnv0rjh image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01fbbhnzc3sj6vtmre9a/01fbbhnzc3sj6vtmre9a-675630b529bb31a2ab31ff6ae5e5303b.jpg]

For Rachael Ostovich, BKFC 19 win over Paige VanZant feels ‘so sweet’

Even if it was bare-knuckle boxing and not MMA, Rachael Ostovich relished her revenge and a victory that was a long time coming.

TAMPA, Fla. – Take a look around social media, and you’ll find a lot of people surprised by [autotag]Rachael Ostovich[/autotag]’s performance in her bare-knuckle boxing debut against [autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag], but not her.

“I mean, I’ve been doing this for 10 years. Maybe it wasn’t bare-knuckle, but I was confident,” Ostovich told MMA Junkie. “I was confident in myself, and I knew I was gonna come out with that W.”

And that’s exactly what Ostovich did Friday night at the Florida State Fairgrounds, defeating VanZant in a five-round war at Bare Knuckle FC 19. Ostovich, who consistently found a home for her overhand right, outpointed VanZant to win a unanimous decision by scores of 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46.

The victory avenged a January 2019 submission loss to VanZant while the two competed in the UFC. It was also Ostovich’s first win in a combat sports competition since a December 2017 submission of Karine Gevorgyan at The Ultimate Fighter 26 Finale.

[lawrence-related id=648747]

Combined with her personal life, it’s been a difficult few years for Ostovich. In 2018, she was the victim of physical abuse by her then-husband, who pleaded no contest to domestic assault and was sentenced to four years of probation in the highly publicized case. Ostovich continued on with her MMA career and fought VanZant two months later at UFC Fight Night 143. Ostovich fought for the UFC – and lost to Gina Mazany – once more before she was released in December 2020 on a three-fight losing skid.

Suffice to say, the feeling of victory after BKFC 19 was a long time coming.

“It is so sweet, so sweet,” Ostovich said. “I was just thinking that, ‘Dang, it’s been a long time.’ But, you know what, you’ve got to keep pushing and believe in yourself, be confident, trust God. He writes good stories, and this was a good story.”

She continued, “I (was) fighting Paige VanZant. Different rules, but this was basically a street fight. This is the most rawest thing ever, and I won.”

Heading into the fight, VanZant touted her one-fight experience in bare-knuckle – a loss to Britain Hart – and knowing what it feels like to be in the ring as a key difference in why she would win. Ostovich, though, proved that the experience – from the beginning of fight week all the way to the final bell – didn’t matter one bit.

“It’s pretty similar – fight week, weigh-ins, press conference, all of that. Walking out. But it was actually kind of a relief in that I could just focus on the standup,” Ostovich said. “Obviously bare-knuckle, but once it starts going, you get used to it. That adrenaline kicks in. And I get kind of crazy, too, out there.”

It showed.

[vertical-gallery id=648785]

[pickup_prop id=”4837″]

Paige VanZant issues statement following BKFC 19 loss to Rachael Ostovich: ‘I will always rise’

Paige VanZant addressed her BKFC 19 loss in a short message via social media.

[autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag] addressed her loss at BKFC 19 to Rachael Ostovich with a simple statement on social media late Friday evening.

After the scores were read and the winner of her main event bout on Friday was revealed to be her opponent, VanZant stormed out of the ring, clearly upset with the outcome of the bout.

After a hard-fought five-round battle against Ostovich, the former UFC strawweight and flyweight competitor found herself on the wrong end of the judges’ scorecards for the second time in a row in bareknuckle competition.

VanZant did not attend the post-fight press conference to address the media. Instead, she offered a short picture message on Instagram following the fight.

The image reads, “I will rise. I will always rise. Don’t you doubt that even for a second.” VanZant offered no additional caption, letting the short but simple message speak for itself.

[lawrence-related id=647594]

VanZant dove into the world of bareknuckle boxing earlier this year, taking on Britain Hart in the main event of BKFC: Knuckle Mania in February. Hart, who had a victorious outing on Friday evening against Jenny Clausius, defeated VanZant by unanimous decision.

Now winless in her two BKFC main events, the future for VanZant is unclear. Although she was competitive in both outings, her opponents were able to beat her to the punch and earn the judges’ favor.

Coincidentally, VanZant’s last victory in combat sports competition was against Ostovich at UFC on ESPN+ 1 in January 2019.

Judging by her pre-fight comments and her social media message after the fight, VanZant likely isn’t finished with combat sports.

[vertical-gallery id=388806]

[vertical-gallery id=645627]

[pickup_prop id=”4837″]

Video: BKFC 19 Post-fight press conference

Watch the BKFC 19 post-fight press conference live from the Floirda State Fairgrounds in Tampa.

BKFC 19, which took place at the Florida State Fairgrounds, was headlined by a women’s flyweight bout between former UFC fighters [autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag] and [autotag]Rachael Ostovich[/autotag].

Watch the live BKFC 19 post-fight press conference above.

[vertical-gallery id=647492]