Since departing the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in July 2020, Paige VanZant has actively pursued various avenues within the combat sports landscape, diversifying her career beyond mixed martial arts (MMA). She has notably competed in bare-knuckle boxing, traditional boxing, and even Power Slap.
Post-UFC Combat Ventures
After her tenure in the UFC, VanZant embarked on a new chapter, exploring different forms of combat sports that leverage her athleticism and fighting background. This transition highlights her dedication to remaining a prominent figure in the combat world.
Her primary engagements include:
- Bare-Knuckle Boxing: VanZant signed with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) shortly after leaving the UFC. This move saw her stepping into a more raw form of combat, showcasing her striking abilities without the added protection of traditional boxing gloves.
- Traditional Boxing: While specific details on her professional traditional boxing record post-UFC are less widely publicized compared to her bare-knuckle ventures, she has explored this discipline, indicating an interest in a wider range of striking sports.
- Power Slap: More recently, Paige VanZant has also been involved with Power Slap, a slap fighting league. Her appearance in a Power Slap event in Abu Dhabi demonstrates her willingness to engage with novel combat sports formats and maintain her presence in the public eye through unique competitions.
These transitions illustrate a strategic career move to explore different facets of combat sports, allowing her to test her skills in varied environments and connect with different fan bases.
Summary of Combat Sports Pursuits
To provide a clearer overview of her diversified career path, here's a summary of Paige VanZant's key combat sports activities since leaving the UFC:
| Sport Category | Specific Engagements/Leagues | Period (Post-July 2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Bare-Knuckle Boxing | Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) | Active |
| Traditional Boxing | Engaged in traditional boxing competitions (specific professional record details vary) | Active |
| Slap Fighting | Competed in Power Slap events (e.g., in Abu Dhabi) | Active |
| Mixed Martial Arts | Departed UFC in July 2020; has not competed in MMA professionally since (as of current info) | Former |
This table showcases her commitment to evolving as an athlete and entertainer within the combat sports industry.
Beyond the Ring
While her combat sports endeavors are central to "what she does now," it's also worth noting that athletes like VanZant often engage in other activities, such as social media influencing, modeling, and business ventures, which complement their athletic careers and maintain their public profile. However, her core professional focus remains rooted in competitive combat.
