VanZant was born in Dundee, Oregon on March 26, 1994. Her foundation for gymnastics and athletics was built at a really young age due to her parents owning a dance studio. Due to this, she was trained in ballet, jazz, and hip-hop for over 13 years. However, her life took a turn when she was introduced to boxing and mixed martial arts. This ignited a passion for combat sports in VanZant, and she began training in various disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, and wrestling. During her teenage years, VanZant faced several challenges, including bullying and a traumatic assault. These experiences only fueled her determination to succeed in the world of combat sports.
Paige VanZant started looking for a dance studio soon after moving to Nevada with her family. During her search for a studio, she came across a gym run by UFC veteran Ken Shamrock. Her ascent into the world of combat sports began under his tutelage during which she trained in boxing and other martial arts. After training under Ken Shamrock, she won her first amateur fight at the age of 18. And she soon made her professional debut on June 30, 2012, at UWF’s Tournament of Warriors where she went against Jordan Nicole Gaza in Texas.
Paige VanZant’s UFC career began on December 2013 when she was announced to be one of the 11 women to be signed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship for a newly starting Strawweight division. VanZant would then fight Curran on UFC Fight Night Edgar Vs. Swanson, her debut match would mark her very first UFC win where she defeated Curran via TKO in the third round and won the Fight of the Night award. VanZant would see a meteoric rise in her popularity after defeating Curran. Her popularity would rise so much that she would get a sponsorship deal from Reebok.
Paige VanZant would make her very first AEW appearance on September 15, 2021, during which she would appear on AEW Dynamite along with many other fighters from American Top Team. VanZant would then quickly rise in popularity in AEW after attacking WWE superstar Chris Jericho during Rampage: Grand Slam. Later on February 2, 2022, during an episode of Dynamite, Dan Lambert would introduce VanZant to Brandi Rhodes whom VanZant would later attack at his behest. The news of VanZant signing AEW would break out on March 4 after the founder of AEW Tony Khan would tweet about it.
Paige VanZant is a fan favorite among fans of combat sports both due to her in-ring performances as well as her performances outside the ring. Her fandom is enormous due to her UFC and AEW appearances along with appearances on many different sites. But many fans still wonder whether she is married or not. Paige VanZant is actually married to Austin Vanderford who is a professional MMA fighter and a two-time NAIA All-American and national champion wrestler.
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