3. Defeating Felice Herrig
Doubts still existed regarding VanZant’s abilities leading into her second UFC bout. Even though she knocked out Curran just months prior, many still felt that VanZant was only being given an opportunity in the UFC because of her marketable appearance.
Felice Herrig had a legitimate pedigree when she began her mixed martial arts career, having racked up a 23W-5L professional kickboxing record. Herrig was also victorious in her first UFC bout, a submission victory over Lisa Ellis on the TUF 20 finale.
Not only did VanZant defeat Herrig, she dominated her and cruised towards a decision victory. Following this bout, there could be no doubting that VanZant was a top level straw weight.
