Paige VanZant is set to headline her first UFC main event at UFC Fight Night 80 but with slight changes in opponent.
VanZant was originally set to face Joanne Calderwood but the UFC had to nix that and make a sudden change on account of an injury to Calderwood. In her place instead will be Rose Namajunas, someone who has defeated Calderwood before.
It won't be surprising if VanZant does some research to check on the style of Namajunas, unranked but someone who is on a streak. She has defeated Alex Chambers, Calderwood and Randa Markos in her past fights though they don't count since they were exhibition.
Among the opponents that Namajunas defeated is someone who VanZant defeated last time round – Alex Chambers. So if the 21-year-old beauty does go back to review fight tapes, she may want to check out how Namajunas finished her off as well.
In short, both women fighters will be putting their winning streaks on the line when they face off on Dec. 10 which will be held at The Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.
VanZant, touted to be the next rising UFC fighter in the women's division by UFC president Dana White, stands to benefit with another big win. Such could put her in line for a possible shot at the title currently held by Joanna Jedrzejczyk.
There is no question that VanZant has become a crowd favorite in recent months, something that went as far as her netting a deal with Reebok. She has been tagged as the next Ronda Rousey though the 21-year-old stunner has repeatedly shot down the comparison.
UFC Fight Night 80 kicks of a fight-filled weekend in Las Vegas, capped by the most awaited showdown of them all, Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor which is the main event for UFC 194 set for Dec. 12.
