Paige VanZant signs lucrative deal with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship after UFC release – despite Bellator offer
Paige VanZant has signed a multi-fight contract with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship following her release from the UFC.
The former strawweight contender was reportedly a target for Bellator, yet it is understood she has signed a lucrative deal to enter the world of bare knuckle boxing.
ESPN reporter Ariel Helwani claims VanZant has signed a four-fight deal with BKFC, and it is understood her debut will come in November.
The deal represents a ‘significant raise’ from her UFC contract, which came to an end following her defeat to Amanda Ribas at UFC 251 last month.
President Dana White told the 26-year-old to give up on her UFC dream shortly after the defeat to Ribas, where he claimed she got ‘smoked’ following her first-round defeat.
Since then she has taken her time plotting her next move during a well earned break.
’12 Gauge’ leaves the UFC with a 5-4 record and her pro record is 8-5 in total, but she has never boxed professionally – with or without gloves.
BKFC infamously tried to lure both Conor McGregor and Mike Tyson to the organisation, yet were unable to do so.
Paulie Malignaggi signed with the company and faced McGregor’s teammate Artem Lobov, yet was defeated on his debut.
While Tyson’s proposed return to action prompted a rumoured $20million offer to face Wanderlei Silva, according to reports.