“They hate you when you’re down”- Paige VanZant reveals the differences between pro-wrestling and pro-fighting fans
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Paige VanZant
Former UFC strawweight, simultaneous BKFC fighter and AEW superstar Paige VanZant has now seen every aspect of entertainment through sports enough to compare everything on the same spectrum, even the kind of interaction fans offer. VanZant fought in the UFC from 2014 to 2020 and has not competed in MMA so far. Her last fight was a loss to Amanda Ribas at UFC 251 via first-round submission. During her stint with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), VanZant has delivered eye-catching performances through her wars but at the expense of an 0-2 record.
Now, VanZant is looking forward to making a return to BKFC but that’s not going to be her only bread and butter. VanZant, not so long ago, signed a lucrative deal with the professional wrestling promotion All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in which she could compete back in BKFC as well whilst serving her entertainment purpose on the former platform. VanZant is now one of those fighters emerging out of the UFC whose stock didn’t go down after leaving the promotion but only raised, just in a different direction.
Paige VanZant tells a notable difference between professional wrestling and professional fighting fans
In an interview at MMA Fighting’s The Fighter and The Writer with Damon Martin, Paige VanZant opens up about her success in joining AEW alongside keeping up with BKFC simultaneously, what made her think that leaving UFC was her best career decision, and much more. In the midst of all, she narrates her experience of being surrounded by professional wrestling fans at AEW.
“It was the first moment we [American Top Team] showed up together at the Arena, I could feel the energy from the fans,” says VanZant “Just how amazing the fans of pro-wrestling are they’re obsessed with it and I thought that was just the coolest thing, to be in front of so much energy, people who are so passionate. Pro-fighting fans are great but sometimes they can love you when you’re up and hate you when you’re down whereas pro-wrestling fans they’re in it for the long haul. They’re die-hard and I wanted to be a part of it…” continues VanZant.
What do you make of VanZant’s experience of receiving fans’ attention in two different worlds of sports entertainment? Do you agree with her point? Where do you put VanZant amongst the most notable names in the combat sports industry today? Do you think the UFC should allow their fighters as well for competing across a different promotion, maybe in another sport if not in MMA? How do you think one can run a successful business whilst giving its employees all the flexibility to explore their options with the security of not losing employment?
Also Read: “Go talk to the owner”- Paige VanZant reveals how she bagged a big spot on the AEW roster
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Abhai Singh Tanwar
(1386 Articles Published)