Paige VanZant reveals rare fighter perks levels above UFC as she makes big announcement on signing with new MMA promotion

Paige VanZant recently shared that she will be receiving several exceptional benefits upon signing with a new MMA promotion. '12 Gauge' announced that she will be making her comeback to MMA this year under the banner of a new organization, the Global Fight League (GFL).

VanZant has not stepped into the MMA cage since her departure from the UFC in July 2020 following a submission loss to Amanda Ribas at UFC 251. She later transitioned to bare-knuckle boxing with BKFC but struggled to find success, suffering defeats in both of her bouts.

During a recent episode of her podcast A Kick*ss LoveStory, alongside her husband Austin Vanderford, VanZant revealed her excitement about returning to MMA under the GFL. She explained that her decision was driven not only by the lucrative financial opportunities but also by several exceptional perks that even major promotions like the UFC do not offer their fighters:

"Now, there is this new MMA organization that made me really excited to fight for them. Like, the way they’re doing it, they’re legit paying their athletes. Everybody I’ve heard who negotiated their contract so far is extremely excited and happy. I also saw that, which I don’t know the logistics behind the scenes, but they’re doing like a pension fund for the fighters, and I think health insurance."

Check out Paige VanZant's comments below (24:00):

While there is no public proof that the UFC offers health insurance, the organization does cover medical expenses for fighters injured during competition. The reason UFC fighters do not receive healthcare or access to a pension fund is that they are classified as independent contractors rather than full employees of the promotion.

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When Paige VanZant opened up about turning down UFC re-signing

During an interview with MMA Fighting in December 2023, Paige VanZant said that she was offered the opportunity to extend her UFC contract but chose to turn it down, as she felt it was time to explore new ventures in her life:

"Me re-signing with the UFC would have been a safe choice, but I also just wasn't happy anymore, and it's not ill will towards UFC, and I knew I needed something else. I just opened up my mind and my options so much to where I just get to do pretty much anything that I want to. I can spark a passion and I can say you know what I want to start a podcast, you know? I want to do this, and then I just, you know, attack it 100%. I don't have anything holding me back."

Check out Paige VanZant's comments below (22:23):