Following in the footsteps of UFC Hall of Famers Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture, 21-year-old Paige VanZant will take to the stage this spring on ABC’s Dancing With The Stars.
VanZant’s participation in the 22nd season of the reality series dance competition was announced on Good Morning America on Tuesday morning along with the rest of the cast, which features stars from sports and TV, including Super Bowl MVP Von Miller, Fuller House star Jodie Sweeten, former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie, and more.
The strawweight competitor will be held out of the cage throughout her time on the show, which begins on March 21, though she’s expected to continue training and could fight this summer after the season concludes. Currently at 6-2, VanZant had a four fight winning streak snapped in her latest outing, as she was beaten up and submitted in the fifth round against Rose Namajunas in September.
Penick’s Analysis: She’s a sensible name off the UFC roster to take part in a show like this, as she has a dance background to begin with, and remains a fighter the UFC can sell well despite the loss. She’s going to get further exposure from this, and if she closes out then with a fight somewhere around UFC 200 it’s further publicity for the UFC and that significant show.
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