Quote: VanZant Is A Pretty Dancer, Not A Fighter
Rising UFC women’s strawweight prospect Paige “12 Guage” VanZant seems to be being pushed pretty hard by the promotion as she’s set to headline her first event on December 10, 2015 against Rose Namajunas after just three Octagon victories.
Although she has indeed looked quite impressive inside of the cage, the promotional push may also be due in part to the looks and personality of “12 Guage”, who seems to have the tools to possibly become quite the star one day.
One who believes this to be true is No. 1-ranked Brazilian Claudia Gadelha who recently called VanZant a “pretty dancer”:
“Ah, she’s selling, right?” Gadelha told the media during UFC Fight Night 77 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, when asked about VanZant. “The UFC wants fighters who can sell, who bring money to the organization. She’s pretty, a dancer, completely different from other fighters who are way better prepared physically, right?”
With only seven professional bouts under her belt, “VanZant” is just scratching the surface of what could prove to be a long lasting, successful career. Gadelha, however, said that the Team Alpha Male staple isn’t a professional fighter yet, but rather a dancer with a lack of experience:
“She has said once that she thinks that fighters who are ripped used steroids, but I want to see her say that in two years, when she really becomes a professional fighter,” Gadelha said. “She’s just starting and she’s a dancer, so she won’t have muscle in her body. But, in two years, I want her to answer this question again.”
This is definitely a harsh critiquing of VanZant, who is on a rise up the rankings no matter her looks and personality. If “12 Guage” is able to take out No. 3-ranked Namajunas next month, she could be on her way to a huge divisional fight.
It seems as if Gadelha is next in line for a title shot, but perhaps a top contender bout between Gadelha and VanZant could be in the works?
