A flyweight bout between crossover star Paige VanZant, who has become a media darling thanks to appearances on shows like Dancing with the Stars and Chopped, and bantamweight Jessica Eye is being lined up for UFC 216 in Las Vegas this October. That’s according to a report by Flo Combat, who state per sources that a verbal agreement for the bout is in place. It would mark the flyweight debut for VanZant, who has contested her professional bouts to date at strawweight. Eye, meanwhile, competed at flyweight earlier in her career.
If the bout does become official, it’ll be another tough test for VanZant (7-3), who is 1-2 in her past three UFC bouts. She’s coming off a loss to Michelle Waterson at UFC on Fox 22 that saw her choked out in the very first round. Prior to that, she picked up a highlight reel victory over Bec Rawlings thanks to a jump kick KO.
Jessica “Evil” Eye (11–6 (1)), meanwhile, has lost four straight in the UFC, and five of her last six. A move to flyweight could give her career a much needed boost, but she’s certainly in need of a win. She’s dropped fights to Miesha Tate, Julianna Pena, Sara McMann, and most recently Bethe Correia at UFC 203. He most recent win came against Leslie Smith in 2014 when Smith’s ear all but exploded during the fight, leading to a doctor’s stoppage.
The UFC has yet to confirm that bout.
UFC 216 takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 7. No main event has been announced for the card.
