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Why Paige VanZant Walked Away from the UFC: ‘Careers Are Short, I’m Going Where the Money Is’

After making her UFC debut in 2014 at just 20 years old, Paige VanZant quickly gained attention for her exciting fighting style and magnetic personality. However, despite some notable victories, including her wins over Felice Herrig and Bec Rawlings, VanZant’s UFC career also included difficult losses to top competitors like Rose Namajunas and Amanda Ribas. After a six-year tenure, her final UFC fight took place in July 2020.

Why Paige VanZant Left the UFC

Reflecting on her decision to walk away from the UFC, Paige VanZant explained that she felt her career, and those of other fighters, was too short-lived to continue in a sport where financial rewards didn’t align with the effort.