Ex-UFC star Paige VanZant says she’s likely done with MMA

Don’t maintain your breath for an MMA return from Paige VanZant.

The previous UFC star, who lately has been preventing for BKFC and Energy Slap, doesn’t see herself returning to the game that launched her profile, though she doesn’t rule it out 100%.

VanZant has put lots of mileage on her physique all through her fight sports activities profession. She nonetheless loves MMA however doesn’t wish to threat her well being any additional.

“I don’t ever prefer to say I’m closing the door 100%, however I do see it might be onerous for me to return into MMA, not as a result of I don’t like it or not as a result of I don’t have a ardour for it nonetheless, however like I stated, I broke my arm 5 instances in my life and 4 instances in principally two years of competing,” VanZant advised MMA Junkie Radio.

“I had two surgical procedures on it, and I nonetheless have an enormous plate that runs the size of my total forearm. So simply going again to that place of risking breaking my arm once more and having surgical procedure once more and getting set again, I can nonetheless have the joys of competing, and I can nonetheless get that rush with out placing my physique in danger. One, I’m superb if I break my arm, it’s actually simply the psychological fortitude, I don’t know if I can push by means of that once more. It was a very, actually tough few years.”

VanZant returns to competitors at Energy Slap 9 on Oct. 24 in Abu Dhabi. Though the athletes are taking defenseless blows to the pinnacle, there isn’t the damage and tear of grappling in competitors or preparation – which VanZant appreciates.

VanZant is signed with Energy Slap on a fight-by-fight foundation. She doesn’t know the way lengthy she’ll proceed, however for now, she says it has been a enjoyable profession chapter.

“My draw to Energy Slap is that I had nothing occurring, and I simply got here out of a boxing match, so I used to be like, ‘ what, I’m already in form,’” VanZant stated. “They referred to as and requested if I wished to do Energy Slap, and I used to be like, ‘Yeah, why not? It looks like an amazing alternative. I didn’t know if I’d wish to do it once more, it was a brand-new expertise, and I completely beloved it.”