Paige VanZant Prepares for MMA Return After Slap Fight

LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Former UFC fighter Paige VanZant is set to make a swift return to mixed martial arts, having signed a contract with the Global Fight League (GFL). The 30-year-old athlete is looking to bounce back after parting ways with the UFC in 2020 following a series of different combat sports engagements.

VanZant’s unexpected comeback is highlighted by her upcoming fight in the Power Slap league against Mikael-Michelle Brown on March 7, 2025, at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas. This marks her first appearance in the slap-fighting organization since a unanimous draw against Chelsea Dodson last October. VanZant currently holds a 1-1 record in slap fighting, with her sole victory occurring during her debut against Christine Wolmarans last June.

“I’m looking forward to competing again and shaking off the rust before my GFL debut,” said VanZant in a recent statement. “Each fight is an opportunity for growth, and I’m embracing this journey.”

After her bout in Power Slap, VanZant will have the chance to select her opponent for her GFL debut. The GFL is scheduled to announce its full lineup in the coming weeks, but details about who she will face remain undisclosed.

VanZant gained notoriety in the UFC, where she last fought Amanda Ribas at UFC 251 in July 2020 but was defeated by first-round armbar. Since then, she has explored various combat sports including bare-knuckle boxing. Her resilience and determination to return to MMA spotlight her continued commitment to her fighting career amidst a dynamic backdrop of challenges in the ring.

In related news, VanZant’s husband, Austin Vanderford, is set to make his own high-stakes appearance in the octagon this weekend, stepping in on short notice to fight Nikolay Veretennikov at a UFC event in Seattle. Vanderford’s fight will be a catchweight bout at 175 pounds after Billy Goff withdrew from the card.

“It’s a huge opportunity, and I’m ready for this challenge,” said Vanderford. He has a comprehensive background in MMA, marked by a 14-fight career and notable victories over fighters like Vinicius de Jesus and Victor Romero. Vanderford previously challenged for the Bellator middleweight title at Bellator 275, where he faced a setback with a first-round TKO.

“Having my wife in Seattle for my debut means a lot. We have been through a lot together, and her support is invaluable,” Vanderford added.

As VanZant prepares for her return, the mixed martial arts community is keenly anticipating her next moves and the potential fight against Topuria by lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Makhachev is preparing for his upcoming title defense later this year, while Topuria is transitioning to the lightweight division, once again fueling conversations about a potential superfight in the near future.