Paige VanZant is following in the footsteps of Ronda Rousey, even when it comes to losing.
VanZant was headed into UFC Fight Night 80 as a heavy favorite against replacement challenger Rose Namajunas.
Should Daniel Bryan, John Cena Swap Bella Twins?
Originally, VanZant was supposed to face off Joanne Calderwood for said event. But a mysterious last minute change by UFC president Dana White was announced and the more experienced Namajunas was pitted instead.
HOLY SHIT!! @PaigeVanzantUFC vs @rosenamajunas Dec 10th in Vegas @UFCFightPass pic.twitter.com/qRJZ1zAcaH
— Dana White (@danawhite) October 28, 2015
Despite coming in on short notice, Namajunas practically schooled VanZant. After scoring three impressive wins, VanZant struggled against Namajunas as she tried to fight in a bloody state while trying to hold her ground against submission holds and punches thrown at her by Namajunas.
There's A New Girl Spending A Lot Of Time With Floyd Mayweather Jr.
In the end, a rear-naked choke became too much for the rising strawweight who was brought to tears during the post-fight press conference.
“I got outclassed in every way,” VanZant told MMAjunkie. “I guess when I got hit I got rocked pretty bad. I’m new; I got to get my technique better.”
So just like Ronda Rousey, VanZant also fell hard after enjoying a big push from the UFC. Rousey is still trying to regroup herself after suffering a shock loss at UFC 193 last month at the hands of Holly Holm.
Eventually, VanZant simply charged the loss to experience and proof that she still has a lot to learn moving forward.
“I’m ready to get back in the gym as soon as possible,” VanZant said. “I feel great still; obviously, I took a little damage to my face. But I want to get back in there as soon as possible. I have the heart, I have the aggression, I don’t have the technique yet, and I think everyone’s known that.”
For more content, follow us on Twitter @SportsWN or LIKE US on Facebook
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.