While her BKFC return is still set for this year, fight fans will get to see Paige VanZant return to the squared circle this summer as she preps for an upcoming western boxing match with a yet-to-be named opponent.
Paige VanZant, a former fighter in both the UFC and BKFC, recently revealed on her podcast that she has agreed to participate in her first-ever traditional boxing match, expected to occur in May or June. Although details are still under wraps, including her opponent and the boxing organization, VanZant shared her excitement about the new challenge.
She mentioned that the fight offer was a recent development, received from her manager just a couple of days prior to the podcast, and while she has verbally accepted the match, a formal contract has yet to be signed. The bout was initially slated for March but has since been rescheduled.
“It was initially, the date they offered me was March 23rd, which was perfect,” said VanZant. “Hell yeah, I’ll get one more fight in before I turn 30, because I turn 30 March 26th. So I told my manager f— yeah, I’ll take it. I’ll get back into boxing. I was just really excited.”
“The opportunity was really cool. So it was perfect, eight-week camp, I don’t have that long to stress or overthink, or anything like that, so that’s perfect. It turns out it’s not going to be March 23rd.”
“After I accepted it, they’re like, you know what, we’re going to move it to, um, I think June, no May, yeah May or June. I heard both dates, so once I have the full information, we’ll be able to release it on the podcast. Accepted a boxing match, that will be my next fight. It’s really, really exciting.”
VanZant announced her plans to return to the BKFC ring last year, challenging the assumption that her fighting career was over. In an interview with MMA Fighting, VanZant expressed her determination to prove herself in the professional fighting arena once again, despite a series of setbacks, including a canceled bout in London that left her and her fans disappointed.
The cancellation, coming just days before the scheduled fight, was a significant blow to VanZant, who had undergone rigorous preparation and weight cutting, underscoring her commitment to her fighting career despite recent losses in both the UFC and BKFC.
VanZant’s focus now is on enjoying training and fighting for the love of the sport, rather than the pressures of sponsorships or financial gain. As she contemplates her return, the fighting community and her fans are hopeful that this new chapter will bring the victories VanZant is striving for, marking either a triumphant conclusion to her career or the beginning of an inspiring resurgence.
