Paige VanZant Returns to Power Slap
Paige VanZant is no stranger to the spotlight, and she’s gearing up to make another significant appearance in the world of combat sports. Power Slap, the unique and controversial competition that blends elements of boxing and slapping, has announced that VanZant will face Mikael-Michelle Brown on March 7 at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas. This announcement has generated considerable buzz among fans and combat sports enthusiasts, as VanZant’s reputation and previous performances have set high expectations for the upcoming event.
A Mixed Record in Power Slap
VanZant’s journey in Power Slap has been a rollercoaster of emotions. She made a strong debut in June 2024, securing a win against Christine Volmanarans. However, her momentum was halted in October of the same year when she faced Chelsea Dodson, resulting in a draw. At 30 years old, VanZant has demonstrated remarkable versatility and resilience since parting ways with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2020. Her forays into slapping, bare-knuckle boxing, and traditional boxing have showcased her adaptability and determination. Despite the challenges, Volmanarans remains her only win in these alternative combat sports, highlighting the competitive nature of the field.
Mikael-Michelle Brown: A Rising Talent
VanZant’s opponent, Mikael-Michelle Brown, brings her own set of credentials to the ring. Competing out of Nevada, Brown has a modest but impressive combat record. Her lone amateur MMA bout, where she secured a first-round knockout of Vanessa Karnowski at a Tuff-N-Uff event in October 2019, demonstrated her power and precision. Brown made her Power Slap debut in December, where she faced UFC veteran Emily Whitmire and won by decision. This victory not only boosted her confidence but also solidified her status as a formidable opponent in the league. As VanZant prepares for their bout, Brown’s combination of combat experience and recent success in Power Slap will make for an intriguing and competitive match.
VanZant’s Journey Beyond the UFC
Since leaving the UFC in 2020, VanZant has embraced a diverse range of combat sports, each offering unique challenges and opportunities. Her willingness to step outside her comfort zone and explore new avenues has earned her respect and admiration from fans and peers alike. Whether it’s the raw and intense nature of bare-knuckle boxing or the strategic and tactical aspects of traditional boxing, VanZant has approached each discipline with the same level of dedication and passion. Her participation in Power Slap, while controversial, reflects her unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what she can achieve in the world of combat sports.
A Week of Big Move for the VanZant Family
The week leading up to VanZant’s Power Slap bout has been particularly eventful for her and her husband, Austin Vanderford. Vanderford, a one-time Bellator middleweight title challenger, made his highly anticipated UFC debut on Saturday at UFC Seattle, facing Nikolay Veretennikov. This significant milestone in Vanderford’s career adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for the VanZant family. As both Paige and Austin continue to pursue their respective goals in the combat sports world, their partnership and mutual support have become a source of inspiration for many. The combination of VanZant’s upcoming match and Vanderford’s UFC debut makes for a week filled with high stakes and high expectations.
Looking Ahead: The Path to March 7
With just a few weeks to go until the March 7 event at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, the focus is now on preparation and strategy. VanZant and her team will be fine-tuning their game plan to ensure she is in top form for her bout against Brown. The unique demands of Power Slap, which combines elements of boxing with the more unorthodox technique of slapping, require a specific training regimen that VanZant is well-versed in. As the date approaches, the anticipation and excitement are palpable among fans, who are eager to see what VanZant has in store for her return to the Power Slap stage. Whether she emerges victorious or faces another challenge, one thing is certain: Paige VanZant will continue to make waves in the world of combat sports, driven by her relentless pursuit of excellence.
