Paige VanZant may never set foot in the UFC octagon ever again, but “12 Gauge” doesn’t seem too concerned with that potential reality.
VanZant 26, made his return to the Octagon after an 18-month layoff to challenge rising female flyweight contender Amanda Ribas earlier this month at UFC 251. Despite her early efforts to force an exchange with Ribas, VanZant finally fell victim to a finish on his arm. just over two minutes in the first round.
Making things more difficult for VanZant is the fact that she was in the last fight of her UFC contract. The house star had already suggested she was going to try free agency before her fight with Ribas, and also said she could make more money outside of the UFC if she wanted to.
“I just wanted to live in the moment because I didn’t know what the future held,” VanZant told MMA Fighting. “I didn’t know if that was my last UFC fight with me in the last fight on my contract. I don’t know if the UFC is going to sign me again.
“It’s still up in the air and we’ll see what happens if I end up going to a different promotion that I feel like it values me a little bit more. We just don’t know. It was really emotional. “
While VanZant is still one of the most recognizable names in female MMA today, he has not been entirely consistent in his last appearances in the Octagon. In fact, since his memorable kick-change knockout over Bec Rawlings in 2016, VanZant has only managed to produce a 1-3 record inside the cage. She has struggled with some injuries along the way, but “12 Gauge” never seems to charge when it matters most.
That was on display last weekend at UFC 251 when VanZant gambled on herself and ended up losing the final fight on her contract.
“This is the exact fight the UFC wanted,” said VanZant. “They do this to people when they are in the last fight on their contract. They give them, like, the perfect style pairing. I went against someone, she is 10-1, I have almost had layoffs, calculating that for three years I have only been able to fight once because I keep getting injured.
“Obviously, he was the toughest opponent they could give me for my only fight left. I didn’t play with what the UFC wanted. Of course, he still had confidence in it. Amanda was very talented. I am very excited to see where her career is going. “
After VanZant’s loss to Ribas at UFC 251, UFC President Dana White stated that he thought Paige had “smoked” and should “definitely” try free agency. White always seemed to have a good relationship with VanZant, but those comments suggest he is ready to turn the page on the young star.
“Honestly, I didn’t actually see the quote or what it said specifically. I try not to pay too much attention, ”said VanZant. “It’s unfortunate because I feel like I have a very good relationship with Dana.
“I feel like I thought we were closest friends and that he could text me or call me. Something to have a little compassion, something to communicate with me personally, but maybe it will. We just don’t know. I’m sure it’s an awkward situation. “
“I have never spoken negatively about the UFC,” VanZant reiterated. “I’m not bitter about where I am in my career, bitter about the position the UFC has put me at all. I felt like I wanted to try free agency and that’s not because I don’t like the UFC or Dana or anyone.
“I know what my career has looked like in recent years, but I also know the talent I have fought against. The combined record of people who have beaten me is quite high. Losing to the people I’ve lost to, I still consider myself one of the best athletes in the world. I know I will be a champion. I know I will come back and keep fighting for many, many years. “
While VanZant may not be someone who fits the UFC’s future plans, the veteran fighter is someone who will attract the interest of almost any other major MMA promotion. Bellator MMA President Scott Coker has already stated that he is interested in signing “12 Gauge” and we are only a week away from his final UFC fight.
“Dana’s comments, what I hear you say, he wants me to try free agency and then I hope they let me go,” VanZant said. “If this is how they feel, then they will let me be free.”
Stick with Mania for more news on VanZant’s upcoming move.
