It’s safe to say Paige VanZant will stay very busy over the next couple of years.
The former UFC fighter signed a deal to join the roster at All Elite Wrestling on Wednesday night, which comes in addition to her ongoing contract as one of the biggest stars currently on the BKFC roster.
While VanZant has been making appearances in AEW since 2021, sources close to the situation confirmed to MMA Fighting that this new deal is a long term arrangement between the 27-year-old and the upstart wrestling promotion owned by Tony Khan, who is the son of Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan.
The full terms of this deal are not yet disclosed.
VanZant will begin training at a pro wrestling school and prepare for her in-ring debut. She is currently scheduled for a match with Tay Conti, real name Taynara Melos de Carvalho.
VanZant’s storyline with AEW has been ongoing for months while she’s appeared with American Top Team owner Dan Lambert, who serves as an on-screen manager to several wrestlers competing in the promotion.
VanZant’s career in BKFC is over. She also continues to be under contract with BKFC, which just sold Triller a large share.
BKFC president Dave Feldman previously told MMA Fighting that he expected VanZant to make her return to the ring sometime in the late spring or early summer. Although it’s not clear if her plans have changed now that VanZant has signed with AEW, VanZant will continue to be a part of the BKFC roster.
“Paige is still under contract with BKFC,” BKFC officials told MMA Fighting. The companies will collaborate to help her .”
build her career.
VanZant quickly became a household name after she signed with the UFC back in 2014 and she earned a 5-4 record overall with the promotion. After leaving the UFC, VanZant inked a lucrative four-fight contract with BKFC to make her move into bare-knuckle fighting.
Now she will be working toward a career as a professional wrestler. VanZant is expected to make appearances at AEW and prepare for her debut in the ring.
