Paige VanZant’s fighting career will have better longevity now, says her husband Austin Vanderford.
VanZant took many by surprise when she announced her signing with BKFC. VanZant is making the transition from pro MMA competition to bare-knuckle boxing. VanZant has said that BKFC’s offer was lucrative and she believes she’ll have more success now that she doesn’t have to worry about being taken down and fighting off of her back.
Speaking to Gareth A Davies of The Telegraph, Vanderford said that signing with BKFC will allow VanZant to hone her skills in the standup department.
“She felt at this point in her career she needed to make some changes to continue to compete with the top girls. What she’s going to do now will extend the longevity of her career. I know that sounds ironic since she’s going to fight in bare-knuckle. But she’s only 26 and this gives her the opportunity to work on some things. Really work on her striking.”
VanZant fought out of her UFC contract back in July. She suffered a first-round submission loss to Amanda Ribas. Vanderford had hoped that his wife would join him on the Bellator roster but he admits that the signing with BKFC makes sense.
VanZant left MMA with a record of 8-5. She’ll have a clean slate in her BKFC debut with a record of 0-0. BKFC President David Feldman has plans to book VanZant for a February 5 card. An opponent has not been revealed.