‘Maybe I took it for granted,’ Paige Vanzant really misses fighting in the UFC

Former UFC star Paige VanZant misses the allure of the Octagon.

We haven't seen VanZant in the UFC for some time now, with "12 Gauge" making her final appearance in 2020, a quick submission loss to Amanda Ribas at UFC 251. VanZant went 5-4 in a six-year stint with the promotion.

Since then, VanZant has been checking off a few combat sports in BKFC, Misfits Boxing, and now Power Slap, where she won by decision last weekend.

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VanZant Gets Real On First UFC Run

On the verge of returning to MMA after signing with the GFL recently and her husband Austin Vanderford now a full-fledged UFC fighter, VanZant was asked if she'd like to return to the UFC someday.

"If I'm completely honest and transparent, I was to a point where I was happy with my career and I was happy with my success in my life and everything I've accomplished," VanZant said at the Power Slap 12 press conference. "Of course, I wanted to continue to chase dreams, but making the walk with my husband again, I was like, 'Damn, like I really miss this and I realize how special it is.'"

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"I signed when I was 19 years old, I'm in my UFC debut at 20. I didn't realize what a big deal it was back then. I didn't realize how special it was. And now seeing that process and leaving, like maybe I took it for granted."

VanZant Says UFC Return Would Take 'A Lot Of Work'

VanZant started her UFC career off with three-straight wins in the strawweight division and a 'Performance of the Night' in her debut. She headlined two UFC events, one of which was her first promotional loss to former champ Rose Namajunas.

Paige Vanzant headlined two UFC Fight Night cards. | Scott Rovak-Imagn Images

Win or lose, VanZant was praised for her toughness and resilience; once fighting three rounds with a broken arm against Jessica Rose-Clark.

"I know it would take a lot of work for me and a lot of dedication for me to earn my shot back into the UFC. But definitely, my heart misses it," VanZant said. "So we could [come back], we'll see.

"But right now I am truly happy and honored to be a part of Power Slap and that's something I'm gonna pursue for a long time."

Former UFC fighter Paige VanZant — Paige VanZant and her husband UFC fighter Austin Vanderford | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Paige VanZant has garnered a massive social media following her time in the UFC, making thousands of dollars through her subscription-based OnlyFans site.

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"I think I’ve made more money in 24 hours on OnlyFans than I did in my entire fighting career combined," VanZant said on the Only Stans Podcast in 2023.

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