So, you remember back in May when undefeated welterweight Austin Vanderford touted both his record and his status as Paige VanZant’s “man” in a bid to get the UFC’s attention? Yeah, you remember. It was kind of weird.

Turns out, maybe it was also kind of smart.

Vanderford didn’t get the spot on the UFC Fight Night 133 card that he was looking for, but according to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto he will get a chance to show what he can do on Dana White’s Contender Series (via Twitter).

The plan right now is for Vanderford (4-0) to face Angelo Trevino (7-2), a welterweight from Team Alpha Male who’s currently riding a four-fight winning streak, with his most recent victory coming at a King of the Cage event in April.

Also, his nickname is “Baby Monsta,” which seems like something we should all be aware of.

But now for the important question: Did being “PVZ’s man” really help Vanderford get this fight?

Granted, fights on DWCS are essentially just a paid tryout for the UFC. But still, did that tweet and that association nudge him along the way? Or did it just get him lightly mocked on the internet when he would have gotten this shot without it?

Honestly, it’s tough to say. On one hand, he is an undefeated fighter and former NAIA national champion wrestler, so it’s pretty reasonable to think a guy like that could get a look on the Contender Series.

On the other hand, when’s the last time you read anything about him on an MMA site that wasn’t related to a) his status as PVZ’s man, or b) his willingness to identify himself as such when trying to get a job?

Either way, well played, Vanderford. Now watch out for all the people who would like to be able to bill themselves as the man who beat PVZ’s man.

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