Britain Hart (left) is confronted by Paige VanZant (right) following Hart's win over Randine Eckholm at BKFC 14 - Photo by Phil Lambert for BKFC
Paige VanZant to make bare knuckle debut against Britain Hart on Super Bowl weekend
Former UFC fighter Paige VanZant will make her highly anticipated bare knuckle fighting debut when she meets Britain Hart in Miami, Florida.
The February 5 fight, which takes place on Super Bowl weekend, will be VanZant’s first time inside the squared circle as a competitor. “12 Gauge” VanZant comes to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship after a first round submission loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 251 in July.
VanZant signs with BKFC after a quick test of the free agency market. While it had been teased that VanZant would make her bare knuckle debut on Super Bowl weekend, it was not known who the opponent would be until Thursday. Other names of possible contenders had been thrown into the hat including former champion Christine Ferea and Jenny Savage, both of whom have shown frustration since the fight announcement had been made.
Ferea took to her personal Facebook profile to state: “I’m officially retiring from bareknuckle #done with this bullsh**.” Whether Ferea was just venting or if she truly walks away from the sport is uncertain but her frustration is justified given her ranking as the best pound-for-pound female competitor with the promotion.
Savage posted, “I’m far from upset 🙂 there’s no personal in business. My future is bright with BKFC 🌞.”
Another name recently discussed as an option for VanZant was Rachael Ostovich who was recently released from the UFC as well, but she is currently out on medical suspension so was the least likely of the options.
Hart returns to BKFC following a fourth round stoppage of Randine Eckholm at BKFC 14. She has also fought the likes of Ferea and Bec Rawlings inside the squared circle.
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The upcoming Bare Knuckle FC card will be the promotion’s first of 2021. Bouts are still being added and will be released shortly.
