They say first impressions are important, and if Paige VanZant’s debut appearance in a UFC ring this past November is of any indication, she just might become the future of the sport. VanZant got the TKO victory over Kailin Curran in her first UFC bout, receiving Fight of the Night honors and setting the tone for a career that could be destined for glory. Just this week, the UFC announced that VanZant will return to the octagon on April 18th against Felice Herrig in the undercard for UFC on FOX 15: Machida vs. Rockhold, allowing the rising star to show that second impressions can be just as important.
During the media blitz following the fight’s announcement, I had the chance to speak with VanZant over the phone about her brief time in the UFC, her MMA background, her biggest influences and inspirations, and much more. Read on to learn more about “12 Gauge” Paige VanZant, and don’t be surprised if she becomes your next favorite MMA fighter, let alone the sport’s most popular female fighter.