Paige VanZant has not retired from combat sports. Instead, she continues to compete primarily due to significant financial struggles she faced during her final fights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Understanding Paige VanZant's Career Decisions
VanZant, a well-known figure in mixed martial arts, openly discussed the financial challenges she encountered during her tenure with the UFC. These struggles became particularly pronounced after she suffered a broken arm, an injury that sidelined her for an extended period.
Key Factors Influencing Her Path:
- Financial Realities in UFC: Despite her popularity and fighting prowess, VanZant faced economic difficulties during her later UFC career. The compensation from her bouts was not consistently sufficient to ensure long-term financial security, especially when factoring in the costs associated with training, medical care, and extended periods of inactivity due to injury.
- Impact of Injury: A severe broken arm led to an extended layoff, preventing her from competing and earning income. This prolonged period away from active competition likely exacerbated her financial pressures, making it imperative to seek opportunities to continue fighting.
- Motivation to Continue Competing: Rather than ending her career, VanZant transitioned to other combat sports ventures, such as bare-knuckle boxing. Her continued participation, despite critical scrutiny, stems from a practical necessity to generate income, directly addressing the financial shortfalls experienced during her time in the UFC.
Her journey highlights a common challenge faced by some athletes, where financial stability plays a crucial role in career longevity and decision-making, compelling them to continue competing even after departing major organizations.
