10 MMA Stars Who Dated Their Coaches

1. Austin Vanderford & Paige VanZant

Austin Vanderford is a former NAIA National Champion wrestler and undefeated professional mixed martial artist who currently competes for Bellator MMA. However, he is arguably better known for being the husband of UFC strawweight, Paige VanZant, so much so that the media has playfully dubbed him Mr. VanZant.

His wife is a star who transcends the sport. Outside the UFC, Paige VanZant is known for appearing on television shows like Dancing with the Stars and posing for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Despite the fact that she is currently unranked, due in large part to her marketable appearance and persona, PVZ is one of the promotion's most popular fighters.

The two began dating in 2017 and decided to get hitched in late-2018.

They train together, and VanZant also corners her husband. In regard to their fighter/coach relationship, Vanderford revealed the following: "Other than [coach] Fabiano, who is with me during all the practices, she knows me the best out of anyone. She knows what I’m capable of, the skills that I have, and what I can do and need to do."

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From 1999-2003 Jacques performed on the Florida independent pro wrestling circuit. He also has an amateur wrestling background and currently holds a certification in Krav Maga. Jacques graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2003, with a bachelor's degree in Political Science. He currently resides in Chicago, Illinois. Follow him on twitter @goodeals79.