Paige VanZant, a former prominent figure in the UFC, is making her debut with the new MMA promotion, GFL, in Los Angeles.
Once hailed as a rising star in the UFC, VanZant initially had a successful run, remaining undefeated for her first three bouts. Despite expectations for her to lead the next wave of UFC fighters, she left the organization in 2020 after experiencing three defeats in her last four fights.
Since departing from the UFC, nicknamed ’12 Gauge’, VanZant has explored various combat sports, including participation in Misfits Boxing, BKFC, and Dana White’s Power Slap events.
Recently, she returned to the UFC scene, not as a fighter, but to support her husband, Austin Vanderford, in his UFC debut, marking her first time inside the UFC Octagon in five years.
Paige VanZant’s GFL Debut Scheduled for May 25
After competing in different promotions outside of the UFC, VanZant officially signed with the Global Fight League (GFL) earlier this year.
GFL has also signed other well-known former UFC fighters such as Tony Ferguson, Luke Rockhold, and Chad Mendes.
Upon signing with GFL, VanZant did not immediately have a confirmed opponent. However, on Monday, the promotion announced that she will face Canadian fighter Randi Field at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on May 25.
Randi Field holds a professional record of 5-1 and has previously fought in Bellator, where she achieved a 2-1 record.
VanZant’s GFL Debut Part of Two-Day Launch Event
VanZant’s first fight for GFL is part of a two-day launch event, with other GFL stars competing the day before, on May 24.
Day one of the event will feature a third match between Urijah Faber and Renan Barao, as well as a bout between Anthony Pettis and Benson Henderson.
Chad Mendes will also debut on day one against Maike Linhares from Brazil.
Holly Holm is also set to have her first GFL fight on day two against Julia Budd.
The main event for day two is the highly anticipated fight between Tony Ferguson and Dillon Danis, which the promotion has promoted as a key attraction.
