Introduction
In the modern age of media-savvy athletes, few have crossed the boundaries of sport and entertainment as seamlessly as Paige VanZant. Known initially for her aggressive style and fearless presence inside the UFC Octagon, Paige VanZant has evolved into more than just a mixed martial artist. From the Ultimate Fighting Championship to bare-knuckle boxing, professional wrestling, modeling, writing, and even online entrepreneurship, VanZant has crafted a persona that resonates with a diverse audience. Her journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and remarkable adaptability, making her one of the most recognizable names in combat sports and digital media today.
Early Life: Dancing Roots and a Fighter’s Spirit
Born Paige Michelle Sletten on March 26, 1994, in Dundee, Oregon, she was raised in a small-town environment that valued hard work and perseverance. Before discovering fighting, Paige VanZant was deeply involved in the arts, particularly dance. She trained in ballet, jazz, and hip-hop for over a decade at her parents’ dance studio. However, her childhood was also marked by adversity. VanZant has publicly spoken about being bullied in high school and being a victim of sexual assault, traumatic events that significantly impacted her self-image and confidence. Instead of retreating, she transformed her pain into power, turning to martial arts as a path to recovery and empowerment.
Her family relocated to Sparks, Nevada, where fate intervened—Paige stumbled into Ken Shamrock’s gym while searching for a dance studio. That chance encounter would alter her life forever. Under the guidance of MMA legends, she began training in boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, eventually embarking on a competitive fighting career in her late teens.
Table: Career Overview of Paige VanZant
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Paige Michelle VanZant |
| Date of Birth | March 26, 1994 |
| Birthplace | Dundee, Oregon, USA |
| Fight Styles | Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai |
| UFC Record | 5 Wins – 4 Losses |
| BKFC Record | 0 Wins – 2 Losses (Bare Knuckle) |
| Book | Rise: Surviving the Fight of My Life |
| Social Media | Instagram: 3.2M+ followers, TikTok: 1M+ followers |
| Other Ventures | OnlyFans, Dancing with the Stars finalist, AEW Wrestling |
| Return to MMA (2025) | Global Fight League |
UFC Debut and Rapid Rise
Paige VanZant made her UFC debut in November 2014 against Kailin Curran. The fight was a brutal back-and-forth, which VanZant won by TKO in the third round. Her relentless aggression and flashy scrambles were fresh air in the strawweight division. Dana White and UFC marketing quickly picked up on her crossover appeal: she was young, marketable, media-friendly, and, most importantly, an exciting fighter.
VanZant soon became one of the few female fighters heavily promoted outside the title picture. Over the next few years, she faced various opponents, including veterans like Felice Herrig and Michelle Waterson. While not undefeated, her performances showed grit, especially in her notable flying switch kick knockout of Bec Rawlings in 2016—arguably one of the best female knockouts in UFC history.
Her UFC journey was not without difficulties. Multiple injuries, including a broken arm that required numerous surgeries, hindered her momentum. Still, Paige VanZant fought through adversity and maintained her position as a fan favorite, even as her competitive record became mixed.
The Move to Bare Knuckle Boxing and Power Slap
After her UFC contract ended in 2020, VanZant made headlines by signing a lucrative multi-fight deal with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). It was a bold move that underscored her commitment to proving herself as a legitimate fighter beyond the glitz and glamour.
She debuted in February 2021 against Britain Hart. The fight was grueling and highlighted the unforgiving nature of bare-knuckle competition. Although VanZant lost by a unanimous decision, she showed heart and toughness. Her second BKFC bout against Rachael Ostovich, a rematch of their MMA encounter, also ended in a decision loss.
In 2024, she took her combat résumé even further by entering Power Slap, a controversial but increasingly popular slap-fighting promotion. VanZant’s powerful and precise striking style translated surprisingly well, earning her a unanimous victory over Christine Wolmarans in her debut.
A New Chapter: Misfits Boxing and the Return to MMA
In 2024, Paige VanZant returned to a more traditional ring format with a highly anticipated bout in the Misfits Boxing promotion, where she faced fellow influencer and boxer Elle Brooke. The bout was intensely hyped due to the crossover between combat sports and digital entertainment. Despite going the distance and ending in a split draw, the match was a significant milestone in VanZant’s career, reaffirming her relevance in a changing combat landscape.
Then came another major announcement in early 2025: her return to mixed martial arts under the newly established Global Fight League (GFL) banner. Unlike previous promotions, GFL promises fighters pensions, healthcare, and a modern approach to fighter welfare. VanZant’s involvement as a competitor and promotional face hints at her long-term commitment to improving the industry.
From Fighter to Entrepreneur: Dominating the Digital Arena
VanZant’s shift from athlete to online entrepreneur has been as bold as her transitions in combat. Perhaps more than any other fighter of her generation, she understood the financial limitations of MMA. Publicly stating that she made more money in a single day on OnlyFans than throughout her entire UFC career, Paige VanZant shed light on the financial disparities athletes face.
She monetized her massive fan following through subscription platforms, brand sponsorships, and custom content. This pivot gave her both financial freedom and broader public recognition. She has also appeared in campaigns for Columbia Sportswear and Reebok, and she even danced her way into the finale of Dancing with the Stars Season 22, where she finished as a runner-up.
Personal Life and Advocacy
VanZant’s story is not just about athletic ambition—it’s deeply personal. Her memoir, Rise: Surviving the Fight of My Life, published in 2018, detailed her harrowing experiences with bullying and sexual assault, painting a portrait of a woman who overcame unimaginable challenges. She has used her platform to advocate for anti-bullying initiatives and women’s empowerment, becoming a role model for countless young fans who see strength in her vulnerability.
Married to fellow MMA fighter Austin Vanderford since 2018, the couple often trains and travels together, showcasing a partnership rooted in mutual support. They’ve spoken openly about the challenges of managing dual competitive careers, but their unity has become a cornerstone of VanZant’s branding.
Public Perception and Media Savviness
Despite her diverse accomplishments, Paige VanZant has been the subject of both praise and criticism. Some fans and analysts have questioned whether her media and modeling ventures have overshadowed her fighting capabilities. However, this criticism often overlooks the double standard women in sports face, where branding is sometimes seen as detracting from “legitimacy.”
VanZant has masterfully controlled her narrative, using social platforms to define her identity on her terms. She redefines the line between athlete and influencer and doesn’t just straddle the line between athlete and influencer.
The Business of Being Paige VanZant
In today’s world, athletes are brands. Paige VanZant is not just a fighter—she’s a business. Between her exclusive content platforms, fight purses, brand deals, and public speaking opportunities, she’s estimated to have earned millions post-UFC. This ability to leverage her name, image, and story across multiple verticals sets her apart from many peers.
Her return to MMA with GFL in 2025 isn’t just about competition. It’s a strategic move that allows her to shape a new era of athlete-first promotions. As someone who’s seen both the highs and lows of combat sports, VanZant aims to push for changes that could benefit the next generation.
Future Outlook: Reinvention Never Ends
As of mid-2025, Paige VanZant’s future remains dynamic and open-ended. She has announced intentions to continue fighting while expanding her presence in business and media. Given her track record of success across industries, it’s plausible to expect even more reinvention. Whether she becomes a full-time entrepreneur, podcast host, commentator, or stays active as a fighter, VanZant’s story is far from over.
One constant remains: Paige VanZant is a symbol of tenacity. From a bullied teenager to a best-selling author, from the UFC to the BKFC, and from digital fame to real-world fights, her career reflects the new model of what it means to be a modern athlete.
Conclusion
Paige VanZant’s journey is not just about wins and losses—it’s about transformation. Her career defies the boundaries of what a combat sports athlete can be. She is an author, model, businesswoman, influencer, and fighter. But more importantly, she is a survivor who chose to fight back—literally and figuratively. Her willingness to adapt and push forward, whether through physical fights or business challenges, makes her a fascinating figure in contemporary sports and media.
As combat sports continue to evolve in the age of streaming, influencers, and athlete branding, Paige VanZant stands as a pioneer. Love her or critique her, you can’t ignore her.
