The mediagenic Paige VanZant took a gamble in very publicly fighting out her contract in order to test free agency. She came up short vs. Amanda Ribas at UFC 251, tapping out to an armbar in 2:21 of Round 1. Now a UFC career that started 4-1 may be ending 1-4.

This is the exact fight the UFC wanted,” said VanZant to Damon Martin for MMA Fighting They kind of do this to people when they’re on the last fight on their contract. They give them, like, the perfect matchup. I went against somebody, she’s 10-1, I’ve almost had layoffs, calculating like three years I’ve only been able to fight once cause I keep getting injured.

Obviously, it was the very toughest opponent they could give me for my one returning fight I had left. I didn’t play into what the UFC wanted. Of course, I still had confidence going into it. Amanda was so talented. I’m so excited to see where her career goes.

At the UFC 251 post-fight press conference, UFC president Dana White was asked if he wants PVZ’s next fight to be in the UFC.

I like Paige, replied White. I like Paige. It’s like Blaydes – when Blaydes fought. When you talk all that stuff, ‘I’m not getting paid enough,’ and fighting inconsistently, one time in the last year, and then get smoked in the first round of the fight, she should definitely test free agency.

For the first time, VanZant responded to White’s comments.

Honestly, I didn’t actually see specifically the quote or what he said. I try not to pay attention too much, she said. It’s unfortunate because I feel like I have a really good relationship with Dana. I feel like I thought we were closer friends and he could text me or call me. Something to have a little bit of compassion, something to communicate with me personally but maybe he will. We just don’t know. I’m sure it’s an uncomfortable situation.

I’ve never spoken negatively about the UFC. I’m not bitter about where I am in my career, bitter about the position that the UFC has put me in whatsoever. I just felt like for myself, I wanted to test free agency and that’s not because I dislike the UFC or dislike Dana or anybody.”

The combined record of the people who have beat me is pretty high. Losing to the people I have lost to, I still consider myself one of the best athletes in the world. I know I’m going to be a champion. I know that I’ll come back and keep fighting for many, many years.

Dana’s comments, what I’m hearing you say, he wants me to test free agency then hopefully they just let me go then. If that’s how they feel, then they’ll just let me be free.

I feel the narrative has been pushed where I feel like the media almost twists the way that I say things – ‘Oh Paige is complaining about pay.’ I just think I want to be paid more. No matter where you work, if you feel you’re undervalued, there should be absolutely no shame in asking for a raise. Especially if you’ve done your time and put your work in. I’ve been in the UFC for six years.

Transparently, I lost this fight obviously. I made $46,000 this fight. I haven’t fought in 18 months. So I’ve made $46,000 in 18 months being people have said is a UFC star. I just feel like there’s more out there for me. I’ve always said I could do anything I wanted in life. I went to college when I was 16. I’ve done TV work. I’ve auditioned for all kinds of stuff but I want to fight. At the same breath, it has to be worth it. Because I am hurting myself and damaging myself for this sport.

VanZant’s husband Austin Vanderford fights for Bellator MMA, and has gone 3-0 in the promotion. Bellator boss Scott Coker said he definitely wants to talk with PVZ. She says she’d re-sign with the UFC given an option that makes her happy, and that she wants to look elsewhere as well.

Whoever it’s with, I want to know that they want me to be part of their family, said VanZant. I want to work for them. I want to open a relationship where I can work — whether that’s working the desk or reporting or doing behind-the-scenes work. I have a passion for camera and TV work as well. So I would love if I could more than just fight for a promotion. I ultimately want to be part of the family.