Paige VanZant, a name synonymous with both mixed martial arts and a captivating presence in combat sports, is set to step back into the MMA cage in 2025 as part of the newly formed Global Fight League (GFL). This upcoming promotion has made significant waves in the combat sports world, attracting an impressive roster of over 300 fighters, including notable names from established organizations like the UFC, Bellator, and PFL. VanZant’s return signals not only her personal journey back into MMA but also the transformative changes occurring within the industry landscape.
VanZant’s announcement of joining GFL has been met with much anticipation and speculation. With her professional record standing at 8-5—5-4 of which was earned during her tenure in the UFC—fans are keen to witness how she will leverage her experience with this burgeoning promotion. GFL co-founder Darren Owen has indicated that the organization aims to revolutionize how fighters are compensated and managed. VanZant herself expressed enthusiasm, stating that GFL has been proactive in reaching out to established athletes who are currently free agents, ensuring a diverse and competitive roster.
What stands out about GFL is its commitment to its fighters. Unlike traditional models where athletes often find themselves scrambling for financial stability, GFL promises a more equitable structure with incentives such as a 50-50 revenue share, health insurance, and contributions towards retirement. Such provisions could redefine the relationship between fighters and promotions, making it less transactional and more collaborative.
Since exiting the UFC in July 2020 following a submission loss to Amanda Ribas, VanZant has explored various aspects of her career, from bare-knuckle boxing to professional wrestling and even slap fighting. This journey showcases her versatility and willingness to test the waters in different combat sports. In her own words, she stated, “I definitely didn’t leave MMA because I wasn’t passionate about it anymore.” This reinforces that her exit was not a sign of waning interest, but rather a choice to diversify her skills and explore new fighting formats.
The financial allure of bare-knuckle boxing often overshadowed her returns to MMA, as she mentioned that her best offers came from boxing. However, the call of GFL reignited her passion for mixed martial arts. Her excitement about this new opportunity is palpable, especially as she notes that GFL has crafted contracts that resonate with fighters’ values and aspirations.
One of the most compelling aspects of GFL is its unique league format, which, unlike the PFL, will incorporate a team-based structure determined by a draft process slated for January. This innovative approach could breathe fresh air into the competitive landscape of MMA, fostering camaraderie among fighters akin to traditional sports leagues. If executed well, it could attract a broader fan base and bring a dynamic edge to matchups, with team strategies playing a role in individual fights.
VanZant’s keen interest in competing for a championship echoes a universal aspiration among fighters; however, her realistic perspective acknowledges a significant truth in the sports industry. “If you’re doing a job, and you’re not getting paid your value for it, then it’s a hobby,” she stated. This sentiment reflects the ongoing discourse around fighter compensation and the changing expectations athletes have regarding their employment conditions.
As GFL gears up for its anticipated launch in April, the MMA community is buzzing with anticipation. The promotion aims not just to host fights but to cultivate an environment where fighters feel supported and valued. VanZant’s return to MMA with GFL is not just about her ambitions in the cage—it represents a potential shift in how athletes are treated across the sport.
Paige VanZant’s upcoming venture into the Global Fight League may usher in a new era for MMA, emphasizing fighter rights and welfare as paramount concerns. As she prepares for her next chapter, both fans and fellow fighters await to see how this innovative promotion will unfold, redefine norms, and ultimately impact the future of mixed martial arts.