"Gangster" Paige VanZant explains why she did not hesitate about Power Slap signing: "You can't take away how tough I am"

Paige VanZant recently opened up about her decision to join Power Slap. VanZant acknowledged the competition's recent spike in popularity as justification for her decision.

The most prominent event in UFC CEO Dana White's Power Slap League will feature VanZant taking on Christine Wolmarans. She is scheduled to compete in Power Slap 8, which is scheduled to start the day before UFC 303. The event is set to take place at the Fontainebleau Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 28.

At UFC 303 media day, VanZant expressed her thoughts on signing with Power Slap, saying:

''I got called if I would do Power Slap, I said, ‘Absolutely,’ and that was it. Signed the contract and here I am to do Power Slap. I think it’s exciting for me because it’s like, listen, I am a gangster.”

Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more

VanZant added:

''They've [Power Slap] taken over. Everybody knows what it is. Everybody seen the highlight videos and a lot of people are,'no I would never do that' or they have mixed emotions about it all and for me, I'm like,'yeah I'd do that'. I look back at my UFC career, my bare-knuckle boxing career, everything that I’ve done, you can’t take away how tough I am, and this is like that ultimate test of toughness.''

Check out Paige VanZant's on joining Power Slap comments below:

Expand Tweet

Even though VanZant is still a household name in combat sports, she hasn't prevailed in a single match since she submitted Rachael Ostovich in the UFC in 2019. After losing to Amanda Ribas at UFC 251 in 2020, the former MMA prospect signed with BKFC but failed to win two bare-knuckle fights.

In her last combat outing, VanZant squared off against fellow OnlyF*ns star Elle Brooke in a Misfits Boxing event. The fight resulted in a split draw.

Paige VanZant reveals her husband didn't want her to participate in Power Slap

In a recent video uploaded to UFC's YouTube channel, Paige VanZant discussed her decision to take part in Power Slap, while her husband Austin Vanderford, publicly voiced his disapproval.

VanZant revealed that although she was excited, her spouse wasn't initially supportive. He voiced his worries by saying:

''Crazy. It's almost like if I tell you I don't want you to do something, and it makes you want to do it more. I'm going to have to stop telling you not to do the things."

Check out Austin Vanderford's comments below (1:24):

About the author

Swagat is a dynamic MMA writer with a total experience of a little less than a year, which includes time in retail and sports journalism. He holds an MBA degree.

Swagat fell in love with the sport after watching the iconic grudge match between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier at UFC 182 in early 2015. Nate Diaz holds a special place in his heart for the Stockton native’s entertaining fan-friendly style and ability to deliver exciting fights regardless of the opponent.

In terms of rule changes in MMA, Swagat advocates for making scores public after each round, adding transparency to judging decisions.

Swagat prioritizes accuracy and relevance while writing and conducts thorough research to ensure the content is fresh and reliable.

He enjoys playing football and painting during his free time.

Know More

Follow One Championship News, Schedule & Results at Sportskeeda.

Edited by Jigyanshushri Mahanta