It has not been a good few days for the Vanderford family.
On Friday, Bellator middleweight Austin Vanderford was knocked out by Aaron Jeffery at Bellator 284. Now, wife Paige VanZant, who was to compete at BKFC London this Saturday, has been forced out of the event.
VanZant (8-5 MMA, 0-2 BKB) was set to face Charisa Sigala at the promotion’s London debut, otherwise known as BKFC 27. MyMMANews was first to report the development; no official reason has been cited for VanZant’s withdrawal (VanZant later stated that she was pulled from the bout for reasons beyond her control).
A plan is in place to rebook the fight for October 15, 2022 at a venue/location to be determined.
Paige VanZant’s bare-knuckle boxing career has not gone according to plan. A popular figure in the UFC prior to her exit in 2020 following a pay dispute, VanZant has lost both of her fights, against fellow UFC alum Rachel Ostovich and Britain Hart.
Having launched her own Only Fans style website, PaigeFanZant.com, VanZant has been busy making an apparent mint off social media, and has been active in the past day, with no mention of the fight falling through made.
VanZant also recently signed with pro wrestling’s AEW.
BKFC London, meanwhile, moves forward with Bellator veteran Michael “Venom” Page facing UFC alum “Platinum” Mike Perry in the main event. The card takes place at the OVO Arena Wembley London, England on Saturday, August 20.
Updated: August 17, 11:00 AM — VanZant has issued a statement saying she was pulled from the bout, and did not withdraw.
