While BKFC fighter and former UFC flyweight Paige VanZant is doing well enough outside of fighting that she does not have to return to competition, BKFC president Dave Feldman would gladly welcome her back to the promotion. Feldman told MMAFighting that VanZant has been approached to return for KnuckleMania in early 2023, but whether or not the star follows through remains to be seen.
“We were talking about putting her on KnuckleMania [in February], and we’re going to be talking to her manager again next week.
BKFC: Notably Absent Paige VanZant “Welcome” To Return
We’ll see what happens with that. I’d love to have her back if she wants to come back and fight and test herself one more time.
She’s doing other things and she’s doing very, very well at those and making a lot of money. So I don’t know. If she wants to come back, she’s welcome to, but we don’t know for sure if she’s coming back. She does have a place here. We’ll see shortly.”
VanZant initially signed with BKFC following her exit from the UFC, which saw her depart on a losing streak. She lost two decisions in a row in her first two fights, and in the midst of doing so started a private website and an OnlyFans page. As a result, VanZant may well be making better money outside the ring.
“There certainly is a chance [she won’t fight for BKFC again]. She’s doing very well. She’s very successful at her other path that she followed right now. Financially, she’s doing very, very well.
Yes, is there a chance? There’s certainly a chance. I don’t think Paige, with her competitive nature, wants to go out like this, so I do expect to see her back. But you never know.”
VanZant herself recently claimed that the money she is making from her extracurricular ventures is enough to retire on right now.
“Theoretically I could [retire]. I don’t have to fight another day in my life. It’s an athlete thing, and some people wouldn’t understand it. If you ask LeBron James why do you still play basketball?
You don’t need to. Why do all these NBA players, NFL players get to a point in their career like Tom Brady — he doesn’t need to play football anymore, but why does he? Because he’s the greatest of all time, because he wants to continue to compete. It’s what he does. It’s in his blood.”
Do you think we’ll ever see Paige VanZant fight again? Let us know in the comments.
