Former UFC star Paige VanZant turned in her MMA gloves for a bare knuckle boxing debut last night (Fri., Feb. 5, 2021) at BKFC 16: “KnuckleMania” live on FITE.tv PPV from RP Funding Center in Lakeland, Florida. Unfortunately for “12 Gauge,” she came up short against Britain Hart in the main event by way of decision.
There was a long feeling out period as VanZant moved around the pocket and tried to work her way into range. The longer Hart was able to score with a lead jab and tagged the former UFC fighter with a barrage of punches at the end of the first. VanZant responded with a nice left hook in the second before Hart landed more last-second shots.
VanZant tried to regain control in the later rounds but Hart’s length and distancing were too difficult for “12 Gauge” to overcome. Every time she entered closer she would get tagged with shots. Every time VanZant tried to clinch with Hart she ate a ton of punches to the body. VanZant did do a nice job in the fifth round to steal back some points, but Hart had already done enough.
Check out the highlights below:
For complete BKFC 16 ‘KnuckleMania’ results and coverage click here.