Paige VanZant is poised to make Power Slap history as she competes for the very first female Power Slap championship title during International Fight Week.
Since her departure from the UFC in 2020, Paige VanZant has explored various combat sports ventures, including Misfits Boxing and BKFC. However, she appears to have found her footing in Dana White`s Power Slap league.
VanZant recently stepped back into a UFC role by cornering her husband, Austin Vanderford, for his short-notice UFC debut in Seattle. Vanderford secured a TKO victory in a bout that also involved a post-fight scuffle.
Previously, the fighter known as `12-Gauge` was scheduled for a fight in the new GFL MMA promotion, but the promotion canceled their initial events, which included VanZant`s planned bout.
Paige VanZant Pursues Power Slap Title at International Fight Week
The former UFC star`s last three competitive appearances have all been in Dana White`s Power Slap, a format where she has openly expressed her enjoyment.
The 31-year-old won her debut match against Christine Wolmarans, demonstrating her potential in the sport. A few months later, she faced Chelsea Dodson, wife of UFC legend John Dodson, resulting in a draw.
This past March at Power Slap 12, VanZant secured her second victory in the league, delivering a dominant performance against Mikael Michelle Brown en route to a unanimous decision win.
Following that win, VanZant publicly called on Dana White for a title opportunity, expressing her desire for women`s championships and her intention to remain in the league and compete fiercely.
White has now answered VanZant`s request. She is set to make history by challenging for the first-ever women`s Power Slap belt in a rematch against Michelle Brown on June 27th.
This Power Slap event is scheduled to take place just one day before UFC 317, positioning International Fight Week as a significant week for combat sports.
International Fight Week Poised to Be a Major Combat Sports Event
The UFC president is expected to announce the main event for UFC 317 imminently, sparking considerable fan speculation regarding who will headline the card.
Despite the busy schedule, White has recently seemed to reduce his direct involvement in some UFC duties, notably disappointing fans by not attending the UFC 315 post-fight press conference last Saturday.
White is currently managing the UFC, Power Slap, and TKO Boxing, making the current year a potentially defining period for all his combat sports ventures.
Gareth Pendleton