Paige VanZant’s UFC Return? The ’12 Gauge’ Drops Hints After Husband’s Debut
The MMA world might be in for a shock. After years of insisting she’d never return to the octagon, Paige VanZant appears to be changing her tune. And it took her husband’s UFC debut to spark this potential comeback.
I’ve covered Paige’s career since her strawweight days, and this latest development has me genuinely surprised. Here’s what’s happening with one of UFC’s most recognizable former stars.
The Spark That Changed Her Mind
Last weekend at UFC Seattle, Austin Vanderford made his organizational debut. While watching her husband compete, something clearly shifted for the 30-year-old VanZant. The atmosphere, the fans, the energy of a UFC event – it hit different when experienced from the sidelines.
Paige has been busy building a lucrative career outside the cage since her UFC departure in 2020. Between BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship), wrestling appearances, and her successful ventures in content creation, she’s hardly been hurting for opportunities.
But there’s something about the UFC that gets in a fighter’s blood.
A Career Reimagined?
For those who’ve forgotten, VanZant’s UFC journey was a mix of impressive highs and devastating lows:
- Joined UFC at just 20 years old
- Compiled a 5-4 record in the organization
- Dancing with the Stars finalist in 2016
- Left after a submission loss to Amanda Ribas
- Went 0-2 in bare-knuckle boxing
Why A Return Makes Sense
The timing couldn’t be better for a VanZant comeback. The women’s divisions have evolved significantly since her departure, but her name recognition remains off the charts. In an era where the UFC increasingly values fighters who move the needle with fans, Paige remains a legitimate draw.
And let’s be honest – at 30, she’s hardly over the hill. Many fighters are hitting their prime at this age, and Paige has been competing in combat sports continuously, just in different arenas.
The Business Angle
From a financial standpoint, a UFC return could be lucrative. While VanZant was vocal about her pay concerns when leaving the organization, the landscape has changed. The UFC has shown more willingness to compensate fighters with mainstream appeal, and few have Paige’s crossover potential.
| Platform | VanZant’s Status |
|---|---|
| UFC | Former fighter (2014-2020) |
| BKFC | 0-2 record |
| AEW Wrestling | Made appearances |
| Social Media | Major following across platforms |
What Would A Return Look Like?
If VanZant does come back, which division makes sense? She competed at both strawweight and flyweight during her UFC tenure, and given her frame and natural size, flyweight seems the most logical landing spot.
Potential matchups would be fascinating. A rematch with Rose Namajunas? A showdown with another fan favorite like Maycee Barber? The possibilities are endless and equally enticing.
The Bottom Line
While nothing is official yet, the mere hint of Paige reconsidering her stance on a UFC return is massive news. If it happens, expect the promotion to capitalize on it with prime placement on a major card.
For Austin Vanderford, regardless of how his own UFC journey unfolds, he may have already made his biggest impact on the organization – inspiring his wife to potentially make a comeback that few saw coming.
What do you think? Should Paige return to the UFC? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
Source: Vox Media