Two of the most popular female fighters in combat sports will meet again as Paige VanZant will welcome Rachael Ostovich to BKFC on July 23.
Two of MMA’s most popular fighters will meet again, this time in the squared circle as Paige VanZant will face Rachael Ostovich for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on July 23. The two met back in 2019 under the UFC banner, where VanZant submitted Ostovich via second round armbar.
Last year, VanZant became the highest profile signing for BKFC after amassing nearly three million followers on Instagram following several years in the UFC. “12 Gauge” entered the UFC as one of the youngest fighters on the roster and quickly became one of their most popular stars in headlining multiple events on network television and booking crossover opportunities on Dancing with the Stars, Chopped, and appearing in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. VanZant made her BKFC debut this past February where she dropped a decision victory to Britain Hart.
Ostovich has amassed a respectable following of her own with 751k followers on social media. After fighting for Invicta FC, Ostovich entered the UFC through The Ultimate Fighter in 2017. The Hawaiian native went 1-3 in the Octagon and last fought in November of 2020 where she was stopped by Gina Mazany. Ostovich was subsequently released from her contract and signed with BKFC along with fellow UFC veteran Pearl Gonzalez as part of the promotion’s efforts to build their roster.
No further details were given about the undercard or venue for the event.
