Paige VanZant surprised fans on April 10, 2025, by posting “free agent” on her Instagram story. This came right after the Global Fight League canceled its first two events planned for May, leaving the former UFC strawweight star without a fight. The 30-year-old was set to return to MMA with GFL after years away, but now she’s back on the market. With a big name and a wild career behind her, she might be headed to the UFC again.
GFL cancels events
The Global Fight League had big plans for May 2025 with two events lined up. They signed over 300 fighters, including Tyron Woodley, Frank Mir, and VanZant. But on April 9, 2025, word dropped that those events were off or maybe pushed to June. No one’s sure if GFL will make it, and fighters like VanZant aren’t waiting around. Damon Martin’s X post said many signed athletes doubt its future, so she jumped to free agency fast.
Paige VanZant — who was one of the fighters originally scheduled to compete at the now cancelled GFL cards in May — just posted “free agent” on her IG stories.
I’ve heard quite a few fighters signed there are very doubtful about GFL having a future of any kind.#GFL pic.twitter.com/3wY9kIteIz
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) April 10, 2025
VanZant’s fight path
VanZant fought in the UFC from 2014 to 2020, going 5-4 in strawweight with wins over Felice Herrig and Rachael Ostovich. Her last MMA fight was a loss to Amanda Ribas in July 2020.
After leaving the UFC, she tried Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, losing twice in 2021, then boxed Elle Brooke to a draw in May 2024 for Misfits Boxing.
Next, she joined Power Slap, winning her debut against Christine Wolmarans in June 2024. She drew with Chelsea Dodson on October 24, 2024, at Power Slap 9.
VanZant beat Mikael-Michelle Brown by unanimous decision on March 7, 2025, at Power Slap 12. GFL was her MMA comeback, but with that gone, she’s free at 30. She told her podcast in January 2025 that GFL’s offer reignited her love for MMA.
Now, with her fanbase and TV fame from Dancing with the Stars, the UFC looks like a strong option. Her husband Austin Vanderford’s recent UFC debut has her thinking about it too. ONE Championship or PFL could call, but she’s weighing her next step to get back in the cage.
