Dana White tells Paige VanZant to give up UFC dream after getting ‘smoked’ on Fight Island against Amanda Ribas
Paige VanZant’s career in the UFC appears to officially be over after president Dana White criticised her performance at UFC 251 on Fight Island.
The 26-year-old was submitted in the first round by Amanda Ribas via an arm bar to justify her status as the largest betting underdog on the main card.
It was the final fight of VanZant’s UFC contract, which she has openly criticised and revealed she makes more money from posting pictures on Instagram.
In fact, the flyweight confirmed she made more money on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ than she ever did fighting, comments which clearly irked White.
Despite boasting a fan base of more than 3.5 million followers on social media, White appeared to suggest the 5-4 fighter is now done and should prepare to look elsewhere for work.
“When you talk all that stuff, ‘I’m not being paid enough,’ and you’re fighting inconsistently, one time in the last year, (suffering) injuries, and then got smoked in the first round of the fight?
“She should definitely test free agency,” White said.
Despite securing three wins from her opening three fights following her signing, VanZant was finished by Rose Namajunas, Michelle Waterson and now Ribas – a former strawweight.
As a former Sports Illustrated cover model and a fighter with a biography, it is unlikely ’12 gauge’ will be short of offers if is she is to be released from the UFC.
Speaking after the fight, VanZant sent a classy message to her opponent, whilst remaining non-committal on her future.