VanZant: ‘No hesitation at all’ on new opponent
Paige VanZant: “I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in, this is the best fight camp I’ve ever had, and it’s just the beginning of it. I have no injuries.”
Earlier this week, Joanne Calderwood withdrew from his fight against Paige VanZant due to injury, but when she heard from her manager, VanZant didn’t hesitate about having to fight a new opponent:
“Right away, I was like, ‘Alright, who can we get to replace her?'” VanZant told MMA Fighting. “The hard thing is that, with strawweights, there are not that many of us, so most everyone had fights lined up or they just fought or they’re injured, so right away I was like, ‘Let’s call the UFC and get someone to replace her,’ and my manager called me right back and said, ‘I talked to Dana. Rose [Namajunas] is good.’”
While some fighters might hesitate to restructure their game plans and refocus on a different, higher-ranked opponent, VanZant said there was no deliberation. Namajunas would work just fine.
“No hesitation at all — none whatsoever,” VanZant said. “I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in, this is the best fight camp I’ve ever had, and it’s just the beginning of it. I have no injuries. I’m going in, I’m training harder than ever. I had a short break between fights, and that really helps me stay super, super in-shape. It’s perfect for me to get a fight right away.
“I’m just ready to get back in there and showcase my skills. I’m really excited that I get to fight someone that’s ranked higher than me, and I’m going to move up the rankings.”
