10 Biggest MMA Prospects Pushed Too Soon

The female side of MMA’s “Ken and Barbie” suffered a similar derailment in 2015.

It’s easy to see why people were enamoured with VanZant. The 21 year old combined good looks with an all-action style that saw her claim wins over Kailin Curran, Felice Herrig and Alex Chambers, and with Ronda Rousey turning her attention away from the sport, the UFC were ready to make VanZant the female face of the promotion.

In only her eighth pro-fight, VanZant was given a main event spot against former title challenger Rose Namajunas, with some bookmakers going as far as to make “12-Gauge” a -150 favourite.

The fight, however, would be one of the most one-sided in main event history, as Namajunas opened VanZant in the opening minute and left her fighting off countless submissions for the remainder. Namajunas finally secured a rear-naked choke in the fifth round.

VanZant has arguably never been the same since, going 2-2 with the UFC and being hampered by a succession of arm-injuries. A move to Flyweight has so far proven elusive, and with Hollywood calling, you question how long she’ll continue to be associated with the sport.