10 Things WWE Fans Need To Know About Paige VanZant
8. She's 22
Paige VanZant is one of the most well-known fighters in MMA, likely only falling behind mainstream sensations like Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor or legends like Anderson Silva. Even more impressive is that she has plenty of time to make a mark as big as they did, because she's only 22.
VanZant's age may be an advantage now, but it once nearly robbed her of a major opportunity. In December 2013, the then-19-year-old VanZant was personally contacted by Dana White and told that she'd be a competitor on the upcoming 20th season of The Ultimate FIghter - a unique competition, given that the winner would be crowned the company's first-ever Women's Strawweight Champion.
Unfortunately, the offer was rescinded - at the time of filming, VanZant would only be 20, and due to the presence of alcohol in the TUF house, the minimum age for competitors is 21. VanZant was fast-tracked to the main roster instead, beating Kailin Curran in her UFC debut.