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How Paige VanZant became a big winner after losing (2024)

It’s not often that a fighter makes new fans in a one-sided loss, but Paige VanZant is a rare commodity in mixed martial arts.

The 22-year-old strawweight is on course to become the UFC’s next pay-per-view star.

Retired boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather Jr. used an appearance on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” to widen his appeal beyond boxing fans, and it was a part of the reason why he became the biggest draw in the business. And VanZant, who was the runner-up last season on DWTS, has already received a boost from the exposure she received from the show.