Paige VanZant is crediting her haters for a change she's making after being fat-shamed on YouTube -- the combat sports star is vowing to portray a more authentic image on social media going forward.
29-year-old PVZ opened up late Monday night, revealing she's gained "probably 20+ pounds" and for it, she's been bullied online ... but Paige says the jerks on social media have actually helped her come to a realization.
"The truth is, yes, I have gained a lot of weight... probably 20+ pounds but I also gained strength, power, muscle and a f*** ton of happiness," VanZant wrote.