On a Recent Tour with the USO, Paige VanZant Choked a US Marine Unconscious During a Demonstration…
Paige VanZant is one of the most recognizable faces in the UFC today. The flyweight fighter is renowned for being both very tough and beautiful. She’s a poster girl for women’s MMA. She recently joined the USO to visit US troops spread around the world far and wide.
Joined by featherweight champion Max Holloway, the UFC pair went to Spain, Iraq, Afghanistan and South Korea, visiting troop camps along the way. The idea was to increase the morale of soldiers posted for long periods of time overseas.
It’s been quite a year for VanZant. The Oregon native has just released her autobiography, detailing previously unknown details of her sexual assault as a teenager. Now video footage has emerged from one of the camps of “12-Guage” choking a US marine unconscious. Was that really part of the plan?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=IOfVrA-Sh6U
Good Night
VanZant was apparently demonstrating how to perform a rear-naked choke. A marine volunteered to act as a dummy, while she performed the technique. Of course, being a tough soldier, he couldn’t tap out to a girl, so he ends up blacking out.
After going limp, VanZant quickly lets go of the stubborn marine. He collapses and is caught by Max Holloway. Maybe ‘Blessed’ should change his nickname to ‘Hero’. The soldier looked very wobbly after the KO experience, but at least he was still smiling.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BiSM0nelul-/?hl=en&taken-by=paigevanzantufc
Big Decisions
“12-Guage” Page has a few big decisions to make about her future. Despite having dropped losses in her last two fights and having a pretty mediocre record of 7-4, she’s in no danger of being cut. VanZant has transcended mainstream culture in a way that most UFC champions haven’t managed. Her time on Dancing With The Stars saw her popularity soar.
It remains to be seen how long she decides to allow herself to get beaten up for a career. Vanzant has a level and right now she can’t compete with the elite. However, she has the looks, personality, and skill to succeed in the WWE. This appeals to her. She said in a previous interview:
“I’m a fighter first and foremost, but if the opportunity ever came knocking, I’m not one to turn opportunities down. I think it’s an amazing organization, and I’d definitely love to work with them”.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgFDPOTFbZB/?hl=en&taken-by=paigevanzantufc
On the Way?
Ronda Rousey has already crossed over to the WWE and looks set to enjoy a comfortable career in the entertainment industry. If anything, VanZant has the potential to do even better, at least within the pro-wrestling world. Her charm and charisma make her very camera friendly.
Whatever happens, if she stays or goes, VanZant will remain a UFC fan favorite. She’s had fun highlight moments like her flying kick KO win over Bec Rawlings and her dance-off against Michelle Waterson. Even her losses have been admirable, as she’s toughed out bloody beatings, broken arms and blacking out. What a woman.
