Paige VanZant is seeking to avenge a past UFC defeat following consecutive fight cancellations.
The former UFC star has remained active since returning to combat sports in 2024. In the years following her UFC departure, VanZant has competed in BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship), boxing, and Dana White`s Power Slap. She was initially scheduled to contend for Power Slap`s inaugural women`s title on June 27th.
However, a “pretty severe” injury forced VanZant to withdraw from the slap fight earlier this month.
Paige VanZant was also slated to face former Bellator fighter Randi Field under the GFL banner in May, but the promotion ultimately canceled the event.
What`s next for PVZ after this string of misfortune? Two words: Dirty Boxing.
Paige VanZant Open to Dirty Boxing Rematch Against Jessica-Rose Clark
VanZant was among the attendees at Dirty Boxing 2, a new hybrid combat sports promotion founded by fellow former UFC and BKFC fighter `Platinum` Mike Perry.
The event featured one of VanZant`s former UFC opponents, Jessica-Rose Clark, who defeated VanZant by unanimous decision in 2018.
Clark secured a victory in her Dirty Boxing bout against Marilia Morais. Following the fight, the Australian fighter crossed paths with VanZant.
“You`re good! Let`s do this!” VanZant reportedly told Clark after they shared a hug.
“Congrats. Let`s do it. See you soon,” VanZant added.
Clark held a 4-5 record in the UFC and departed the promotion after three consecutive losses in 2023. She has since bounced back with two victories in Muay Thai and a successful debut in Dirty Boxing.
VanZant Finished Fight Against Jessica-Rose Clark Despite Breaking Arm
Clark`s victory over VanZant on January 14, 2018, marked VanZant`s second-to-last appearance in the UFC.
Despite the loss, VanZant received considerable praise for her resilient performance against Clark over three rounds at UFC St. Louis.
VanZant suffered a broken arm in the opening round while attempting a spinning back-fist. She informed her corner between rounds but bravely continued fighting through the injury.
VanZant managed to win the final round and made it to the judges` scorecards, even after narrowly escaping a potential submission via triangle choke in the second round.
Seven years later, Clark and VanZant may finally get the opportunity for a rematch.
