Ex-UFC sensation Paige VanZant given a final warning over BKFC future

BKFC boss David Feldman has handed Paige VanZant an ultimatum over her career in the boxing promotion. If the former UFC star doesn't return to the ring in April, she will very likely be dropped from their roster and will not fight in the bare-knuckle boxing ring again.

The 28-year-old American signed with the BKFC after almost six years of competing in the UFC. While her record in the UFC could have been better, she faced some tough fighters like former two-time strawweight champion Rose Namajunas. She signed with the BKFC in 2020.

Paige VanZant has had a dismal run at BKFC so far. She has fought twice in the promotion, losing on both occasions. She last faced Rachael Ostovich at BKFC 19, losing via unanimous decision.

The 28-year-old is seemingly set to be booked for the BKFC's April 29 card. However, Feldman recently revealed that if '12 Gauge' fails to compete on that date, her career in the promotion will likely be over.

In a recent interview with Mirror Fighting, the BKFC president outlined the conditions for Paige VanZant to resume her career in the organization:

"I’m going to be talking to her this week and there’s a possibility that she returns on a big card we’ve got in April. If she doesn’t, then it’s probable that she won’t be coming back to BKFC."

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Paige VanZant: What is her UFC record?

Paige VanZant had a dream start to her UFC career. Marking her promotional debut against Kailin Curran in 2014 with a signature third-round TKO win, VanZant secured the 'Fight of the Night' honors on her very first outing. She went on to rake up three back-to-back wins during 2014-15.

'12 Guage's UFC record stands at five wins against four losses. While this record isn't the most impressive, she holds a win over MMA veteran Felice Herrig. During her less-than-shining career, she also faced the likes of former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas and former Invicta atomweight champion Michelle Waterson.

In her last fight in the UFC, Paige VanZant suffered a first-round submission defeat to current No.9-ranked strawweight Amanda Ribas. Her career in the organization saw her secure two submissions, two knockouts, and one decision win. Her overall mixed martial arts record is a modest 8-5.

Interestingly, VanZant also competes in the All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a professional wrestler. While pursuing her combat sports career, '12 Gauge' also found immense success with the subscription-based content service OnlyFans.