Paige VanZant Announces MMA Comeback with GFL Signing

Paige VanZant

Paige VanZant is returning to MMA under the banner of the sport’s newest player, the Global Fight League (GFL). VanZant, a former UFC star, shared the exciting news on her podcast, A Kickass Love Story, which she co-hosts with her husband and fellow fighter, Austin Vanderford.

The GFL, a new promotion with ambitious plans and significant financial backing, has been aggressively recruiting top talent.

"They are picking up anybody and everybody who has a name in this sport that’s a free agent," VanZant said. "They offered me a contract, and I said yes."

VanZant, 30, is set to compete for GFL in 2025, marking her first MMA bout in nearly five years. Her nine-fight UFC career saw a record of 5-4, though she faced challenges towards the end with losses to Michelle Waterson-Gomez and Amanda Ribas. After leaving the UFC, VanZant ventured into bare-knuckle boxing with BKFC, where she went 0-2, followed by brief stints in Misfits Boxing and Dana White’s Power Slap promotion.

The GFL has already signed notable names, including Gegard Mousasi, Frank Mir, and Wanderlei Silva. VanZant’s decision to join was influenced by conversations with fighters at American Top Team, many of whom are already part of the GFL roster.

Reflecting on her journey, VanZant explained,

“I think this is the perfect opportunity because I didn’t necessarily leave MMA. I definitely didn’t leave MMA because I wasn’t passionate about it. ... Now there’s this new MMA promotion organization that actually made me really excited to fight for them.”

She also expressed gratitude for her BKFC experience, which offered a fresh challenge but emphasized that returning to MMA reignites her original passion for the sport.

With her signing, VanZant is poised to bring star power and experience to GFL, which aims to establish itself in the MMA landscape. Fans eagerly await her return to the cage and the impact she’ll make in this new career chapter.