Paige VanZant drew a lot of attention not just because she carries a pretty face but because of what she could do inside the Octagon.
Everyone knows how VanZant got a lot of attention when she went on a three-fight winning streak. Her last win was against Alex Chambers back in Sept. 5, 2015, winning via submission that actually sparked a lot of attention due to her armbar finish.
She was immediately christened as possibly the next one to succeed Ronda Rousey and the endorsers came running to sign her up.
VanZant would eventually be a hot commodity and all eyes were on her next match. She was originally scheduled to face Joanne Calderwood but a last minute change saw Rose Namajunas instead on the other end.
The change did her in, losing via submission in the fifth round. But more than that, it was the beating she took that resulted in her being all bloodied. Despite the battering, VanZant still managed to win the hearts of fans by not giving up and stubbornly fending off Namajunas.
When the smoke cleared, VanZant lost that one, draped in blood which the pretty lass seemed to take all in stride. In fact, she even flashed a smile despite the mess she was in.
For her part, VanZant was overwhelmed with the support she got as she felt she churned out a performance that fell short. And that seems to be something that could eventually push her to thrive as she gears up for her next fight, something that has yet to be scheduled.
But at just 21, VanZant has all the time in the world to kill. Her match against Namajunas was a wake-up call and proof that she still has a lot to learn.
Pairing that with her positive attitude, VanZant is expected to rebound and get better. Hopefully, that happens once she takes the Octagon again soon.
