Former UFC fighter Paige VanZant is set to make a comeback in 2025 under a new organization.
The 30-year-old Oregon native had a good run in the few moments at the start of her career in UFC. VanZant was on a three-fight winning streak until she faced Rose Namajunas and Michelle Waterson-Gomez which dropped her ranking. Her loss to Amanda Ribas ultimately ended her rising career in the UFC.
“12 Gauge” tried her luck at BKFC but didn’t last long after losing her first two fights. Since then, she has tried her hands at other ventures like Misfits Boxing, OnlyFans, and PowerSlap but it seems she has come full circle and is back to MMA.
On her podcast, VanZant announced her return to MMA under the banner of a new promotion, GFL. The fighter revealed she is the latest name amongst notable names that have been signed to the new team- based promotion.
“I need to be in the gym harder and stronger than ever,” VanZant said. “I’m changing gears again. And, I’m going to shock the world again. … I’m lucky I’m in such a good position that I do get a lot of opportunities that I get to wade through and pick what kind of sparks my interest the most and what’s the most exciting.
“Yeah, I think that I’m stepping back into the world of MMA,” VanZant added. “They (GFL) offered me a contract, and I said, ‘Yes’. So, I’m going back to MMA, and I think this is the perfect opportunity because I definitely didn’t leave MMA because I wasn’t passionate about it anymore.”
“Now, there’s this new MMA organization that actually made me really excited to fight for them. They are legit paying their athletes,” she said. “Everyone that I’ve heard that has negotiated their contracts so far is extremely excited and happy.
“They’re doing a pension fund for the fighters, and I think health insurance. … You just never know when it’s over. So, I wanna do everything I can to make the most money while I can, and be able to provide for my family forever.”
The new promotion has taken on a large number of former UFC fighters and claims to be a fighter-first promotion. GFL was unveiled last year and plans on launching its fights in April 2025. Fans are excited to see some of the fights on the card but speculations have been made on the longevity of the promotion.
