Paige VanZant aims to avenge a past UFC defeat following two consecutive fight cancellations.
Since returning to combat sports in 2024, the former UFC standout has remained active. In the years following her UFC release, VanZant competed in BKFC, boxing, and Dana White`s Power Slap. `12 Gauge` was initially slated to compete for the promotion`s inaugural women`s title on June 27th.
However, a “rather severe” injury earlier this month forced VanZant to withdraw from the slap fight.
Additionally, Paige VanZant was scheduled to face former Bellator star Randi Field in the GFL in May, but the promotion eventually canceled the event.
What`s next for PVZ after a string of misfortune? Two words: Dirty Boxing.
Paige VanZant Open to Rematching Jessica-Rose Clark in Dirty Boxing
VanZant attended Dirty Boxing 2, a new hybrid combat sports promotion founded by fellow UFC and BKFC fighter `Platinum` Mike Perry.
The event`s fight card included one of VanZant`s former UFC opponents, Jessica-Rose Clark, who defeated VanZant by unanimous decision in 2018.
Clark secured a victory in the Dirty Boxing ring against Marilia Morais. After the fight, the Australian encountered VanZant.
“You`re good, let`s f*cking go,” VanZant told Clark after hugging her.
“Congrats. Let`s do it. See you soon,” VanZant added.
Clark`s UFC record was 4-5, and she departed the promotion in 2023 after a three-fight losing streak. Since then, Clark has rebounded with two Muay Thai victories and a successful Dirty Boxing debut.
Paige VanZant Fought Jessica Rose-Clark the Distance After Breaking Her Arm in Round 1
The loss to Clark on January 14, 2018, was VanZant`s second-to-last fight in the UFC.
Despite the defeat, VanZant received considerable praise for her performance against Clark over three rounds at UFC St. Louis.
VanZant broke her arm in the first round while attempting a spinning back-fist. She informed her corner between rounds but continued fighting despite the injury.
VanZant won the final round against Clark and reached the judges` scorecards, despite nearly being submitted by a triangle choke in the second round.
Seven years later, Clark and VanZant might finally get the opportunity to have their rematch.
