Paige VanZant has carved out a unique and often unpredictable path in the world of combat sports and entertainment. From her early days as a rising star in the UFC to her ventures into bare-knuckle boxing, professional wrestling, and even Power Slap, “12 Gauge” has consistently remained a captivating figure. While her fighting career has seen its share of ups and downs, VanZant has proven adept at navigating the evolving landscape of modern celebrity, leveraging her charisma and online presence to build a formidable brand. Her journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the changing dynamics of how athletes can build careers outside traditional sporting avenues.
From UFC Prospect to Bare-Knuckle Brawler
Paige VanZant first burst onto the mixed martial arts scene with a promising career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Known for her aggressive, high-volume fighting style and bubbly personality, she quickly garnered a significant fanbase. Her early performances suggested a potential future contender in the strawweight division, with notable wins showcasing her tenacity and submission skills. However, injuries and a tough run of opponents led to a somewhat inconsistent record in the later stages of her UFC tenure, culminating in her departure from the promotion in 2020.
Following her exit from the UFC, VanZant made a high-profile move to the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), signing a lucrative contract that signaled a new chapter in her combat sports journey. The transition to bare-knuckle boxing presented a different set of challenges, demanding a more raw and brutal approach to striking. Her BKFC debut in February 2021 against Britain Hart generated considerable buzz, but she ultimately lost the bout via unanimous decision. Her second fight in BKFC, a rematch against Rachael Ostovich in July 2021, also resulted in a unanimous decision loss, leaving her bare-knuckle boxing record at 0-2. Despite the outcomes, these fights further cemented her reputation as a fearless competitor willing to step into any arena.
Navigating New Arenas: Boxing, Power Slap, and Professional Wrestling
VanZant’s post-UFC career has been characterized by her willingness to explore diverse combat sports ventures. Beyond BKFC, she ventured into professional boxing. Her most recent boxing match was against Elle Brooke in May 2024, an event that ended in a split draw after five rounds. VanZant was knocked down early in the fight but rallied to make it a competitive contest, with talks of a potential rematch in Dubai quickly surfacing.
More recently, VanZant made headlines for her involvement in Power Slap, Dana White’s new combat sports league focused on competitive slapping. She was scheduled to compete for the inaugural women’s flyweight title in Power Slap on June 27, 2025, against Mikael Michelle Brown. However, just days before the scheduled bout, VanZant announced she was forced to withdraw due to a severe neck injury. She revealed she had been diagnosed with a spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma, a rare and serious condition. While doctors are still investigating the cause, VanZant expressed cautious optimism about her recovery and potential return to competition, acknowledging the seriousness of the injury and the risk of paralysis. This injury has undoubtedly put a temporary halt to her plans in Power Slap and highlights the inherent risks of combat sports.
In addition to her fighting endeavors, VanZant has also delved into the world of professional wrestling. She signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2022, showcasing her athleticism and charisma in a different form of combat entertainment. This move further diversified her career portfolio, allowing her to engage with fans in a new capacity and explore performance aspects beyond direct competition.
Financial Fortunes and Off-Camera Ventures
Beyond the various combat sports platforms, Paige VanZant has successfully cultivated a strong online presence, particularly through content creation. She has been open about the significant income she generates from her exclusive fan website, which offers paid content to subscribers. VanZant has publicly stated that her earnings from this platform have surpassed what she made throughout her UFC and professional wrestling careers combined, demonstrating the lucrative nature of direct-to-fan content creation for popular figures.
As of 2024, VanZant’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 million, a figure that reflects her earnings from fighting, endorsements, book sales, and her entrepreneurial ventures. Her ability to diversify her income streams and capitalize on her widespread recognition has been a key factor in her financial success and continued relevance. She has also engaged in various brand partnerships and media appearances, further contributing to her overall financial standing and public profile.
Personal Life and Public Persona
Paige VanZant’s personal life often garners attention, particularly her relationship with fellow mixed martial artist Austin Vanderford, whom she married in 2018. Their combined net worth is reported to be around $6 million. VanZant frequently shares glimpses into her personal life, training, and various activities on her social media platforms, maintaining a direct connection with her fanbase. Her candidness about her career choices, injuries, and financial endeavors has resonated with many, making her a relatable and authentic figure to her followers. Despite the physical demands and inherent risks of her chosen professions, VanZant consistently projects an image of resilience and determination, often sharing messages of positivity and perseverance.
Misfits Boxing and the Elle Brooke Rematch
Prior to her Power Slap withdrawal, Paige VanZant had been actively involved in Misfits Boxing, facing social media influencer Elle Brooke in May 2024. The fight ended in a split draw, leaving both competitors and fans eager for a rematch. VanZant immediately expressed her desire for a second bout, with talks of a potential rematch in Dubai initially surfacing. Later, VanZant indicated that a rematch was being planned for August 2025 in London, on Brooke’s home turf.
This boxing venture highlighted VanZant’s continued willingness to explore diverse combat disciplines and capitalize on crossover appeal. Her fight with Brooke generated considerable attention, demonstrating her enduring star power and ability to draw an audience across different platforms. The status of this potential rematch, however, is now uncertain given her recent neck injury.
The Power of Her Platform: Beyond the Fights
Even when not actively competing, Paige VanZant consistently maintains a strong and engaging presence online, which has become a significant aspect of her brand and income. Her exclusive fan website, where she shares paid content, continues to be a highly lucrative venture. VanZant has openly shared that the earnings from this platform far exceed what she made during her entire UFC and professional wrestling careers combined. This candidness about her financial success has resonated with many and cemented her status as an entrepreneurial athlete who understands the power of direct-to-fan engagement.
Her social media channels provide a window into her life, showcasing her training, personal moments with husband Austin Vanderford, and various other endeavors. This consistent interaction helps her maintain a loyal fanbase and secures various brand partnerships and media appearances, further solidifying her financial standing and public profile.
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Reinvention
Paige VanZant’s current focus is undoubtedly on her recovery from the spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma. The severity of the injury means a careful and measured approach to her health is paramount. While the future of her immediate fighting schedule is on hold, her track record suggests that she is a resilient individual who finds ways to reinvent herself and remain relevant.
Whether she makes a full return to MMA with GFL, pursues the Elle Brooke boxing rematch, or even ventures into other forms of entertainment, VanZant’s journey is a compelling narrative of adaptation in the ever-evolving world of sports and celebrity. Her ability to leverage her athleticism, charisma, and digital savvy has allowed her to build a career that transcends the confines of any single sport, ensuring that “12 Gauge” will continue to be a name recognized and followed by many. Her story serves as a reminder that for modern athletes, success is not always measured solely by championship belts, but also by the ability to build a lasting brand and navigate the complexities of a multi-faceted career.
FAQs About Paige VanZant
What is Paige VanZant’s current health status?
As of June 2025, Paige VanZant is recovering from a severe neck injury diagnosed as a spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma. She was forced to withdraw from her Power Slap title fight due to this condition, which involves a bleed in her spine. Doctors are still investigating the cause, as it was not trauma-induced. She is undergoing tests and monitoring, hoping for a full recovery to return to competition.
Is Paige VanZant still fighting in MMA?
Yes, Paige VanZant had recently signed with the Global Fight League (GFL), a new team-based MMA promotion, marking her return to mixed martial arts after nearly five years. She was scheduled to make her GFL debut in May 2025, but her recent neck injury has put her immediate MMA plans on hold. Her long-term commitment to MMA with GFL remains, contingent on her recovery.
What is a spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma?
A spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma is a rare medical condition where blood accumulates in the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord, without a clear traumatic cause. This can lead to compression of the spinal cord and potentially cause neurological symptoms, including pain, weakness, and in severe cases, paralysis. It is a serious condition that requires medical attention.
Will Paige VanZant fight Elle Brooke in a boxing rematch?
A boxing rematch between Paige VanZant and Elle Brooke was being planned for August 2025 in London, following their split draw in May 2024. However, the status of this potential rematch is now uncertain due due VanZant’s recent severe neck injury, which has put all her immediate fighting commitments on hold.
What is Paige VanZant’s involvement with Power Slap?
Paige VanZant was scheduled to compete for the inaugural women’s flyweight title in Dana White’s Power Slap league on June 27, 2025. However, she was forced to withdraw from the bout due to a spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma. Her future involvement with Power Slap will depend on her recovery from this injury.
How does Paige VanZant make money outside of fighting?
Paige VanZant has diversified her income streams significantly. A major source of her income comes from her exclusive fan website, where she provides paid content to subscribers. She has publicly stated that her earnings from this platform surpass what she made during her entire UFC and professional wrestling careers. She also earns from endorsements, sponsorships, social media presence, and past ventures like book sales.
The Future of “12 Gauge”
With her recent neck injury forcing her out of a Power Slap title fight, the immediate future of Paige VanZant’s combat sports career remains uncertain. The nature of a spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma requires careful medical attention and recovery. However, VanZant’s history suggests a strong will to compete and a knack for reinventing herself. Whether she will return to Power Slap, pursue more boxing matches, or continue her journey in professional wrestling, her ability to adapt and leverage her platform will undoubtedly keep her in the public eye.
Paige VanZant’s career serves as an interesting case study in the modern sports landscape, where athletes are increasingly empowered to control their narratives and explore diverse opportunities. From the bright lights of the UFC octagon to the raw intensity of bare-knuckle fighting and the performative spectacle of professional wrestling, VanZant has consistently shown a willingness to embrace new challenges. Her journey, marked by both athletic pursuits and entrepreneurial success, ensures that “12 Gauge” will remain a prominent and compelling figure for years to come, regardless of the specific arena she chooses to conquer next.
To read more, click here.
Leave a Reply