[autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag] was thought to be one of the hottest free agents available in MMA. However, her next home won’t be with an MMA promotion.
MMA Junkie today verified with multiple people close to the situation that VanZant has signed an exclusive, multi-fight contract with BareKnuckle FC. The people requested anonymity because the promotion has yet to make an official announcement. ESPN first reported the news after VanZant teased signing a new deal Wednesday on Instagram.
Contract Signed. About to change the game. Fight news coming soon. #bigbusiness 🙈😉
VanZant completed her UFC contract in July with a first-round submission loss to Amanda Ribas at UFC 251. She made it clear for more than a year leading up to the fight that she intended to test her value on the free market, because she’d never had an opportunity to do so previously.
Although she said she was not unhappy with her UFC relationship, VanZant said she felt she was underpaid for the amount of exposure she brought to her fights via a large social media following and more.
UFC president Dana White essentially closed the door on VanZant making a return to the promotion after UFC 251. Meanwhile, Bellator president Scott Coker said signing “12 Gauge” was something his company would pursue.
[lawrence-related id=534320,533850]
Other potential suitors for VanZant seemed to include the likes of ONE Championship and PFL. She didn’t opt for either, though, and instead VanZant will shed her MMA gloves and enter the boxing ring to compete bare knuckle.
BareKnuckle FC is no stranger to having MMA fighters on its roster. Notable to compete for the organization in recent years include Artem Lobov, Jason Knight, Chris Leben, Joey Beltran, Johnny Bedford and more.
It’s unknown at this time which weight class VanZant will compete in under the BareKnuckle FC banner. Her debut is not yet scheduled.
[vertical-gallery id=388806]