Paige VanZant, often known as “12 Gauge,” has successfully transitioned from a UFC strawweight contender into a multi-platform entrepreneur and crossover combat sports star.
By leveraging her fighting fame into modeling, professional wrestling, bare-knuckle boxing, and exclusive content creation, she has built a financial empire that far eclipses her initial MMA earnings.
In this article, you will know Paige VanZant’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Paige VanZant’s Biography
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Paige Michelle VanZant |
| Nickname | 12 Gauge |
| Date of Birth | March 26, 1994 |
| Age | 31 |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m) |
| Weight | 125 lbs (Flyweight) |
| Turned Pro | 2012 |
| Net Worth | Approx. $6 Million (Estimated) |
| Salary/Career Earnings | $1 Million+ Annually (from all sources) |
| Husband | Austin Vanderford |
| Instagram Profile | @paigevanzant |
| Twitter Profile | @paigevanzant |
Early Career
Paige VanZant was born in Dundee, Oregon, where she grew up surrounded by dance rather than combat. Her parents owned a dance studio, and she spent over 13 years training in ballet, jazz, and hip hop.
This background gave her the footwork and agility that would later translate into the cage. However, her teenage years were marred by severe bullying, which eventually led her to look for ways to defend herself.
At age 15, after moving to Nevada, she stumbled into a gym owned by UFC veteran Ken Shamrock. Initially looking for a fitness class, she fell in love with boxing and grappling. She took her first amateur fight at 18 and won, sparking a rapid ascent.
She turned professional in 2012, winning her debut, and quickly garnered attention not just for her fighting skills but for her charisma and marketability, leading to a contract with the UFC at just 20 years old.
Professional Career
Paige VanZant’s UFC debut in 2014 was a sensation; she defeated Kailin Curran via TKO and won “Fight of the Night” honors. Her aggressive, high-paced style made her an instant fan favorite.
Over her six-year UFC tenure, she secured notable wins against Felice Herrig and Bec Rawlings—the latter via a spectacular switch-kick knockout that remains a highlight reel staple.
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Despite setbacks against top-tier competition like Rose Namajunas and Michelle Waterson, she remained one of the promotion’s biggest stars.
After leaving the UFC in 2020, VanZant pivoted to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), signing a lucrative multi-fight deal reported to be worth over $1 million. Although she went 0-2 in the BKFC ring, her ability to draw eyeballs was undeniable.
She further expanded her combat sports resume by appearing in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and made a surprising debut in Power Slap in 2024, winning her match and silencing critics who questioned her toughness.
Husband
Paige VanZant is married to professional MMA fighter Austin Vanderford. The couple met in 2017 and engaged in a whirlwind romance, getting engaged in January 2018 and marrying in September of that same year.
Austin, a talented wrestler and fighter who has competed for the Bellator middleweight title, is often seen training alongside Paige and appearing in her social media content.
Their relationship is a central part of their public brand, often referred to as a “power couple” in the MMA world. They support each other’s careers, with Paige frequently cornering Austin during his fights and celebrating his victories, including his UFC debut win.
Paige VanZant’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Paige VanZant’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $6 million. This wealth comes from a diverse portfolio that includes fight purses, modeling, her exclusive content site, and various endorsements.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Promotion | Estimated Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Slap 8 (2024) | Christine Wolmarans | Power Slap | ~$45,000+ (Win Bonus) |
| BKFC 19 (2021) | Rachael Ostovich | BKFC | ~$400,000+ |
| BKFC: KnuckleMania (2021) | Britain Hart | BKFC | ~$400,000 |
| UFC 251 (2020) | Amanda Ribas | UFC | ~$46,000 |
| UFC on FOX 21 (2016) | Bec Rawlings | UFC | ~$132,500 (Inc. Bonuses) |
Career Earnings
| Year | Primary Source | Estimated Income |
|---|---|---|
| 2014-2020 | UFC Purses | ~$564,000 (Total) |
| 2021-2022 | BKFC / AEW | ~$800,000+ |
| 2023-2025 | OnlyFans / Content | Multi-Million Annual Rev |
| Total | Lifetime Earnings | $6 Million+ |
Career Stats
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Pro MMA Record | 8-5-0 |
| UFC Record | 5-4 |
| Wins by KO/TKO | 2 |
| Wins by Submission | 3 |
| Wins by Decision | 3 |
| BKFC Record | 0-2 |
| Power Slap Record | 1-0 |
FAQs
1. What is Paige VanZant’s net worth?
Paige VanZant’s net worth is estimated to be around $6 million in 2026. This includes earnings from her MMA career, BKFC contract, and her highly successful exclusive content site.
2. Who is Paige VanZant’s husband?
Paige VanZant is married to Austin Vanderford, a professional MMA fighter who has competed in Bellator and the UFC. They have been married since September 2018.
3. How much did Paige VanZant make in BKFC?
Paige VanZant reportedly earned around $400,000 per fight in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), significantly more than her base salary in the UFC.
4. Does Paige VanZant still fight?
Yes, Paige VanZant remains active in combat sports. While she hasn’t fought in MMA recently, she competed in Power Slap in 2024 and has expressed openness to boxing matches.
5. Why did Paige VanZant leave the UFC?
Paige VanZant left the UFC in 2020 after fighting out her contract. She cited a desire for better pay, stating she could make more money as an Instagram influencer than as a fighter in the UFC.
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