Paige VanZant is one of the most popular UFC fighters in history. Photo / Getty Images
Paige VanZant is one of the most popular UFC fighters in history. Photo / Getty Images
Tough day Sunday for Paige VanZant.
The UFC flyweight was a huge underdog entering her bout on Fight Island against rising contender Amanda Ribas — and it proved that way as VanZant succumbed to an armbar inside a round.
It wasn't the result she was looking for in the lastfight of her UFC contract, which she has often criticised and claimed pays her less than what she earns from Instagram.
The 26-year-old, who has leveraged her fight fame into mainstream stardom through an appearance on America's Dancing With The Stars, has built a rabid fanbase of more than 3.5 million on social media.
Amanda Ribas of Brazil grapples with Paige VanZant in their flyweight fight during UFC 251 on UFC Fight Island. Photo / Getty Images
UFC president Dana White encouraged VanZant to look elsewhere for her next fight deal after four defeats in her past six fights dating back to 2015.
"When you talk all that stuff, 'I'm not being paid enough,' and you're fighting inconsistently, one time in the last year, (suffering) injuries, and then got smoked in the first round of the fight? She should definitely test free agency," White said.
For VanZant, she falls victim to a classic example of farewell matchmaking from the UFC. If she wants to keep fighting, there are plenty of flyweights out there she can beat, and I can name at least two promotions who would likely welcome her with open wallets. #UFC251
Paige VanZant hits free agency after going 5-4 in the UFC. Only one of those wins over a fighter with a winning record. But then again, she has 2.6 million Instagram followers. She'll get paid somewhere.
But she found the pointy end of the division a different challenge and has been finished by Rose Namajunas, Michelle Waterson and now Ribas.
It didn't impact her popularity though and she was often used as a marketing tool by the UFC and modelled for Nike and Columbia Sportswear.
She's already released a biography, posed for Sports Illustrated's swimsuit edition and appeared on the Food Network's show Chopped.
And she's taking the high road after UFC 251. Taking to Instagram after her defeat, she congratulated Ribas on an "amazing performance".
"It was truly an honour to share the Octagon with you," VanZant posted. "As for me, I will rise up as I always do. I can't wait to see where God takes me next."
