Paige VanZant’s bare-knuckle boxing career on the line in next fight

Paige VanZant’s lucrative switch to bare-knuckle boxing could be about to end unless she can produce her first win in two years.

Paige VanZant’s bare-knuckle boxing career will be “over” if she loses her upcoming clash with Charisa Sigala.

The former UFC fly and strawweight star has gone 0-2 since inking a lucrative deal with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships in August 2020.

Stream Over 50 Sports Live & On-Demand with Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Consecutive losses to Britain Hart and Rachael Ostovich have put VanZant’s back up against the wall ahead of her BKFC London clash with Sigala on Saturday week – which promoter Dave Feldman admits is a must-win for the 28-year-old, The Sun reports.

“If Paige loses, her bare knuckle career is definitely at an end,” he told GiveMeSport.

“I mean, she did an interview and said there was no pressure on this fight.

“So, you know, if she feels there’s no pressure, then maybe, you know, maybe she’s very confident.

“But, you know, I can’t keep saying after every fight, we’ll see how she does.

“And that’s why if she doesn’t do well in this fight, If she doesn’t come out victorious, or at least look very, very good, then she’s probably at the end of her bare-knuckle career.”

VanZant’s pain of consecutive defeats in the BKFC ring has been softened by her astronomical purses.

The American Top Team standout has banked a whopping $(AUD) 1.14 million for her last two outings – which dwarf her total octagon earnings.

Ahead of her debut last year, VanZant said: “I’m here for a reason.

“I was in the UFC for six years getting paid $40,000 (to show) and $40,000 (to win), and now I’m getting 10 times that doing what I love.

“So obviously, I’m not going anywhere. I’m very happy fighting here and I’m excited to fight.”

Sigala – who has also competed in mixed martial arts – is relishing the opportunity to send VanZant out the BKFC exit door.

“This event is going to be a big part of BKFC history, and I’m really excited to be a part of it,” she said.

“Fighting at Knuckle Mania in 2021 made me a part of that historic event.

“I didn’t fully recognise the significance of that in my debut, but I’m very aware of it heading into London.

“This is another huge opportunity to be a part of BKFC history.”

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission.

Originally published as Paige VanZant’s bare-knuckle boxing career on the line in next fight