Paige VanZant is a multifaceted American entertainer who has made a name for herself in various fields, including mixed martial arts, professional wrestling, modeling, and content creation. Her journey to stardom began in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where she quickly gained recognition for her impressive fighting skills and captivating personality. This article will delve into the life and career of Paige VanZant, exploring her rise to fame, her accomplishments in different ventures, and the controversies that have surrounded her personal life.
Paige VanZant’s Rise to Fame
Early Life and Training
Paige Michelle VanZant was born on March 26, 1994, in Dundee, Oregon. Her parents owned a dance studio, and she was brought up dancing ballet, jazz, and hip hop for over 13 years. She also began training in martial arts at a young age, and by the time she was 18, she had earned a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Amateur Fighting Career
VanZant began her amateur fighting career in 2012, and quickly amassed a record of 3-0. In 2013, she signed with the UFC, becoming one of the youngest fighters in the promotion’s history.
| Year | Record | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 3-0 | 3 | 0 |
| 2013 | 2-0 | 2 | 0 |
UFC Debut and Early Success
VanZant made her UFC debut in November 2013, and quickly became a fan favorite. She won her first two fights by submission, and in 2014, she defeated Felice Herrig to earn a spot in the UFC strawweight title fight.
- Defeated Kailin Curran by submission (armbar) at UFC 171
- Defeated Felice Herrig by submission (armbar) at UFC on Fox 11
- Challenged for the UFC strawweight title against Joanna Jędrzejczyk at UFC 188
Paige VanZant’s Fighting Career
Paige VanZant’s fighting career began in 2012 when she started competing in amateur MMA fights. She quickly amassed a record of 3-0 before signing with the UFC in 2013. VanZant made her UFC debut in November 2013, and quickly became a fan favorite. She won her first two fights by submission, and in 2014, she defeated Felice Herrig to earn a spot in the UFC strawweight title fight.
| Year | Record | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 3-0 | 3 | 0 |
| 2013 | 2-0 | 2 | 0 |
VanZant challenged for the UFC strawweight title against Joanna Jędrzejczyk at UFC 188, but lost via unanimous decision. She rebounded with a win over Bec Rawlings in 2016, but then lost to Michelle Waterson in 2017. VanZant was released from the UFC in 2018, and she subsequently signed with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
Paige VanZant’s Other Ventures
Modeling and Acting
In addition to her fighting career, Paige VanZant has also pursued a successful career in modeling and acting. She has appeared in numerous magazines and commercials, and has also had roles in several films and television shows, including “Dancing with the Stars” and “Chopped”.
- Maxim
- Sports Illustrated
- ESPN The Magazine
Business Ventures
VanZant has also launched several business ventures, including her own clothing line and a line of nutritional supplements. She is also a co-owner of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
| Business | Type | Founded |
|---|---|---|
| Paige VanZant Fightwear | Clothing line | 2016 |
| Paige VanZant Nutrition | Nutritional supplements | 2017 |
| Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship | Mixed martial arts promotion | 2018 |
Paige VanZant’s Personal Life and Controversies
Paige VanZant has been involved in several controversies throughout her career. In 2016, she was criticized for posing for a nude photo shoot for ESPN The Magazine. She has also been criticized for her outspoken personality and her use of social media.
- In 2016, VanZant posed for a nude photo shoot for ESPN The Magazine.
- She has also been criticized for her outspoken personality and her use of social media.
- In 2018, she was involved in a public dispute with UFC president Dana White.
Final Thought
Paige VanZant is a true embodiment of the modern-day entertainer. She has successfully navigated multiple industries, showcasing her versatility and adaptability. From her early days as a UFC fighter to her current endeavors as an entrepreneur and content creator, VanZant has consistently pushed boundaries and defied expectations. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring entertainers and entrepreneurs alike, demonstrating that with determination and a multifaceted skill set, anything is possible.
