Paige VanZant Claims She’ll Make More Money With BKFC Than UFC

Paige VanZant claims that her venture into BKFC is far more lucrative than her UFC run.

VanZant will be making her BKFC debut on Friday night, February 5. She’ll face Britain Hart in the main event of Knucklemania. The bout will be held inside the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, Florida.

During a pre-fight press conference, VanZant claimed that she will be earning significantly more money under the BKFC banner than she did with the UFC (h/t MMAJunkie.com).

“I’m here for a reason. I was in the UFC for six years getting paid $40,000 (to show) and $40,000 (to win), and now I’m getting 10 times that doing what I love. So obviously, I’m not going anywhere. I’m very happy fighting here and I’m excited to fight.”

VanZant went on to say that she had an offer from Bellator but ultimately felt transitioning to bare-knuckle boxing was the best route.

“I was really fortunate coming from the UFC that I did have so many organizations (that) reached out, and I truly wasn’t sure where my career was going to go. I had two big offers that were in competition: this one or Bellator, which my husband (Austin Vanderford) fights for. I know I had a lot of people – my coaches, my husband – they all wanted me to go to Bellator. But I had to go where my passion lies, and I truly know this is the organization I belong with. This is the one I was most passionate about. This is where I see myself being the most successful.”