Paige VanZant set to join bare-knuckle boxing after finishing UFC contract, claims Bellator champ Macfarlane
PAIGE VANZANT is set to embark on a new career in bare-knuckle boxing following her UFC exit, according to Bellator champion Ilima-Lei Macfarlane.
The 26-year-old lost the final fight of her contract against Amanda Ribas last month on Fight Island.
VanZant looked emotional before she stepped into the Octagon for what might have been the last time.
Meanwhile, undefeated Macfarlane has already defended her flyweight title four times and is struggling for new challengers.
Bellator is also back up and running after a break due to the coronavirus and free agent Van Zant would undoubtedly be a big draw to face the champ.
Macfarlane knows VanZant would help promote the division but believes she would have to earn her shot if she joined the MMA promotion after losing two of her last three fights.
“And you know, would I necessarily say that she should get a title shot right off the bat? Of course not. I don’t think so at all.
“But, like for future matches, yeah, I would totally welcome that.”
She continued: “I think that she’s a smart girl, and she’s gonna go where, I think she’s going to bare-knuckle boxing.
“I don’t know if I’m supposed to say that, but, yeah, I think that she should go where she’s going to be treated well and paid well.”
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Meanwhile, VanZant has shared snaps of her Las Vegas holiday as she closes in on a deal with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
The social media star sent fans wild with a series of stunning photos posing up a storm in a pink bikini.
She also posted several loved up pictures of herself in a close embrace with her husband Austin Vanderford.