VanZant: I proved I didn’t need TUF
Paige VanZant: “I definitely think I proved myself in this fight that I didn’t need to be on ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ to make a name for myself…”
Paige VanZant was supposed to take part in the current season of the Ultimate Fighter, but was not allowed due to her age. The show requires all athletes to be twenty one as they supply the house with alcohol. Fortunately for her she was invited to make her UFC debut this past weekend and made the most of it, winning her fight and a fight of the night bonus. VanZant believes that the performance proves she didn’t need to do the reality show to make a name for herself:
I think I set a really great tone, said VanZant, whose win earned her a $50,000 bonus for Fight of the Night. The bout served on the FOX Sports 1 main card of the event at Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas.
I definitely think I proved myself in this fight that I didn’t need to be on ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ to make a name for myself, and I’m really excited to fight whoever comes out of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ house as soon as possible, she added. There’s a lot of girls in that house that I’d match myself up with; one of the standout fighters was Tecia Torres. She’s my only loss. So I’m excited to get that rematch with her, or whoever comes out of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ house, or the belt holder when that happens.