Paige VanZant talks potential Dillon Danis slap-fighting match, challenges 'El Jefe' to accept husband Austin Vanderford's fight offer

Paige VanZant made her professional slap fighting debut at Power Slap 8 (June 28, 2024). She defeated Christine Wolmarans via unanimous decision at the event. VanZant was later asked about a possible slap fighting showdown against fellow MMA fighter Dillon Danis. '12 Gauge' suggested that her husband, former Bellator fighter Austin Vanderford, would be open to fighting Danis.

VanZant (8-5 MMA, 0-2 bare-knuckle boxing) made her professional boxing debut against fellow content creator Elle Brooke in May. Brooke retained her MFB women's middleweight championship in their back-and-forth fight via a split draw. The Brooke-VanZant rematch is expected to transpire later this year.

Heading into that fight, VanZant addressed the trend of MMA fighters trying their hand at boxing. She seemingly disapproved of the notion that MMA veterans don't achieve much success inside the squared circle. The Oregon-born combatant alluded to Dillon Danis' disqualification defeat against Logan Paul in their boxing match and asserted that Danis wasn't a real fighter.

Danis fired back at her by insinuating that they'd dated in the past and that he'd divulge details regarding it. VanZant then reiterated that he's "not a real fighter" and dared him to fight Austin Vanderford, whereas Danis replied with another jibe.

Meanwhile, Vanderford (11-2 MMA) took to Instagram and challenged Danis to a fight. Furthermore, 'El Jefe' mocked VanZant for failing to beat Elle Brooke in their boxing bout. He also laced into her for joining Power Slap.

Paige VanZant bounced back from her boxing debut with a victorious slap fighting debut at Power Slap 8. It marked her first combat sports victory since January 2019. During her post-match press conference, VanZant was asked if she was trying to slap Dillon Danis, alluding to their ongoing feud. VanZant responded by stating:

"That was a really good question. You know what, he's got a fight offer on the table that he can have any day of the week. And we'll pay his fight purse, but I don't think he's going to take it."

When asked if she was referring to Vanderford as Danis' potential opponent, VanZant said:

"It is. Yeah. The offer is there if he [Danis] wants it."

Check out Paige VanZant's comments below:

Watch Paige VanZant's post-match press conference below (*comments about Danis at 15:16):

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Former UFC star Paige VanZant addresses future with Power Slap

Dillon Danis (2-0 MMA, 0-1 boxing) was released from Bellator in October 2023. Presently, it's unclear as to who 'El Jefe' will fight next and in what sport. On the contrary, Paige VanZant seems likely to continue her career as an influencer, besides partaking in Power Slap. VanZant foresees competing in slap fighting more frequently than she'd have competed in MMA.

The 30-year-old recounted her transitions through MMA, bare-knuckle boxing, professional wrestling, professional boxing, and slap fighting. VanZant implied that she's tough and has proven it yet again. When asked if she's eyeing a world title in Power Slap, '12 Gauge' explained that she does see herself returning to the organization. She asserted:

"I think that they're going to want me back, absolutely. So, I do see a future here. I just want to compete. And I want to live my life, and have fun, and show off how tough I am." [14:44 onwards]