Paige VanZant considering move back to strawweight
Paige VanZant is currently sidelined due to her third arm surgery, and now, the 25-year-old is thinking about a change. After making her flyweight debut back in 2018, and going 1-1 in the division, she is considering going back down to strawweight.
“Now that I have so much time, I can get my diet in check and work with a nutritionist and cut down to 115,” VanZant said to MMA Junkie. “And have my last fight on my contract and try strawweight out again with a full-time nutritionist. I think there are really big fights in the strawweight division for me. And really big fights at 125 for me.”
Although VanZant is currently sidelined due to an injury, she believes she is even more motivated to get back into the Octagon. As well, her gym was purchased by American Top Team. So, she plans on going down to Coconut Creek and training with the top fighters like Joanna Jedrzejczyk. That, in turn, will make VanZant more disciplined and a better fighter ahead of her return later this year.
“It’s making me more driven,” VanZant said. “I’ve had longer layoffs than this. So I’m just going to suck it up and stop whining and feeling sorry for myself because I do know there are so many people that wish they can be in my shoes. It’s knowing how blessed I am.
“This just shows the world how tough I am. If you didn’t think I was tough, here you go. I’m not even questioning what’s next for me. I’m just taking it easy for a little while and not messing things up if I’m going to fight again.”
In the strawweight division, Paige VanZant went 7-3 in her career and 4-2 in the UFC with three finishes. There, it is argued she had more success at 115 than she has at 125-pounds.
