Former UFC flyweight Paige VanZant may not be competing in MMA anymore, but she surely still has the ability to execute a submissions.
VanZant was once a UFC rising star, getting a big Rebook sponsorship deal with just one bout under her belt, back in 2015. However, things changed when she stepped up her level of competition and was quickly rebuffed.
Despite that, she is still known for her aggressive grappling and high-level ability to subdue her opponents. One soldier can confirm personally – having asked to get choked by ‘12 Gauge’, in front of his whole unit.
In a video, VanZant is demonstrating a rear-naked choke on a soldier kneeling in front of her. Accompanying her on stage is the former UFC featherweight champion, Max Holloway, wearing the same attire as her. The two were boosting the troupes’ morale in a visit at the time.
While it’s all giggles in the beginning, it didn’t go well for the serviceman that attempted to not tap to the submission.
Before performing the submission, VanZant explained in detail about the choke and how it works. The soldier was more than willing.
However, as soon as VanZant squeezed the neck of the soldier, his face turned red and his eyes went blank. A few seconds after the squeeze, VanZant released the soldier who was completely unconscious.
VanZant’s journey with the UFC ended in 2020 after losing by a quick armbar against Amanda Ribas at UFC 251. She pressed pause on her MMA career with a record of 8-5 with five wins by finish.
After parting ways with the UFC, VanZant signed with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship for a four-bout deal worth over $1 million. She made her debut in the ring against Britain Hart, losing the bout via unanimous decision.
She then faced former UFC rival Rachael Ostovich in the BKFC ring. However, she lost again by unanimous decision, putting his overall record in bare-knuckle to 0-2. She is booked for BKFC London and is looking forward to getting one in the win column.