TAMPA, Fla. – One thing is clear in Paige VanZant’s career – she doesn’t miss her time in the UFC and she’s more than happy in her latest career venture.

The combat sports star is gearing up for her second bare-knuckle boxing bout this Friday, as she takes on fellow former UFC fighter Rachael Ostovich in the main event of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 19. VanZant signed with BKFC in August 2020 after having fought out her UFC contract the month before, putting an end to a six-year run with the premiere MMA organization in the world.

The 27-year-old is happy with her decision to have switched sports in her fighting career and in no way misses her time with the UFC, which was where she rose to prominence in combat sports.

“No, I haven’t looked back honestly,” VanZant told MMA Junkie. “I think you take those moments to look back when you think there might be something better in the past, but since I left, my future here, everything has just gotten better and better every single second.

“I’m so excited to be with BKFC. I love boxing. I love my new gym. I love everyone I train with. There’s nothing in the past that I miss. I always wondered, ‘Would I miss the UFC?’ I don’t. I don’t miss it at all. I love being here, I love boxing. My life has changed in all the best ways possible.”

Although she might not miss MMA, VanZant is not ready to commit and close the chapter on it entirety. However, she does admit the chances of an MMA return are dwindling.

“It’s getting further and further away, honestly,” VanZant explained. “I feel like that’s a big part of my past that the door may be closed. I never like to say it because who knows, but right now I’m really loving just straight boxing.

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