Paige VanZant: Millionaire Bare Knuckle Boxer
Nine-fight UFC veteran Paige VanZant’s next fight will be of the bare knuckle boxing variety, for a lot of money, under the BKFC banner later this year. Huh?
She apprently turned down an offer from Bellator, and it’s hard to imagine their offer was near the numbers being reported for PVZ’s BKFC deal. ESPN’s Ariel Helwani initially reported it is a “multi-fight, multi-million dollar” deal, and it was later confirmed to be a four-fight deal worth more than $1 million with incentives.
“It tells people we’re serious,” BKFC President David Feldman told MMA Fighting about the offer. “We’re not out there throwing money around stupidly and making bad decisions. We spend money on things we think can help the company grow, and Paige VanZant, with 4 million followers on her social media accounts, can help us grow.” – via MMA Fighting
When it comes to VanZant, there’s always going to be more to it than the fighting. Her 8-5 professional record, and two wins in her last six bouts, are a lot more appealing when her social media presence and ability to draw mainstream media attention are factored in.
Last month, BKFC announced they’d be exclusive broadcast partners with streaming service DAZN. DAZN, which also airs Bellator events, is dying for content. Now, they have a high-profile name to sell with their new programming.
For VanZant, who is used to getting a push from the UFC, becoming the face of a new promotion while getting a pay-raise seems like a solid next chapter for her combat sports career.
UFC WITHOUT gloves. Going to give them great exposure. Second most popular woman in MMA save for Ronda Rousey. https://t.co/ju9B6kt5Bc
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) August 12, 2020
Pirating is a big deal to the UFC, as long as they make it look that way. Whether or not that’s actually the case is up for debate. Max Rohskopf’s next fight won’t be in the UFC, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. And Paige VanZant is about to put Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on the map. That’s BKFC and DAZN’s plan, at least.
Huh? for the road
Gotcha!!#XFN367 pic.twitter.com/l0c557tMb9
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) August 8, 2020
