10 Stars Whose UFC Careers Will Likely End In 2020
2. Paige VanZant
On 14 March 2020, Paige VanZant is scheduled to face Amanda Ribas in what will be the last fight on her current UFC contract. The fact that she was yet to sign a new deal with the organization is particularly noteworthy.
VanZant has already gone on record as saying she makes more money posting Instagram pics and through endorsement deals than she does fighting. The reality star also made it clear that she is looking for a far more lucrative contract this time around. Moreover, the 25-year-old from Dundee, Oregon, has already become something of a mainstream star having appeared on several television shows, including Dancing with the Stars and Chopped. In other words, VanZant has other options if she doesn't wish to continue fighting.
If she still wants to compete, Bellator may be a more appealing choice than the UFC at this point. Firstly, her husband, Austin Vanderford, is currently signed with the promotion, which has to be viewed as a plus. Furthermore, the fact that Bellator allows fighters to wear sponsor logos while competing would be huge for an endorsement magnet like VanZant. Fighter sponsorship opportunities have been hindered in the UFC due to the promotion's deal with Reebok.
While Bellator has been able to land some big names, they have a reputation for signing stars who are past their prime. As such, they may be willing to shell out more money than the UFC to land an established star who has yet to enter their physical prime.
Lastly, the Bellator women's flyweight division isn't as established, so VanZant's journey toward a title shot would be less treacherous.
By this time next year, there is a good chance Paige VanZant will be a member of the Bellator roster.