If you are a fan of mixed martial arts, you know who Paige VanZant is. The promising strawweight and flyweight fighter immediately burst onto the scene when she joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 2014 and she has not looked back. Receiving immediate attention for her exciting style and marketable looks, VanZant found herself fully supported by the UFC’s promotional machine and received opportunities to remain in the public spotlight.
VanZant, who grew up dancing for more than 13 years in Oregon as her parents owned a dance studio, had a successful stint on ABC’s Dancing With The Star which really gave her some crossover appeal. VanZant, who was partnered with Mark Ballas,finished in second place in the dance competition.
The 24-year-old also appeared on a celebrity edition of Chopped on the Food Network, edging out Dorothy Hamill to become the Chopped champion.
VanZant recently opened up about her rise to fame and a tough high school career that included relentless bullying that eventually led to the changing of her last name from “Sletton” to “VanZant” in her new book Rise: Surviving the Fight of My Life.
“12 Gauge,” which is a nickname she picked up from her father due to her love of hunting, is currently engaged to fellow professional MMA fighter Austin Vanderford, who is a former national champion and two time NAIA All-American wrestler.
