MMA fans and followers have long been awaiting the comeback of Paige VanZant, whose journey has included highs and lows in various combat sports. In 2025, she will make a significant return to mixed martial arts as part of the newly established Global Fight League (GFL). This announcement has sparked excitement not only among her supporters but also within the broader MMA community, as it represents a new opportunity for fighters looking for viable promotions that prioritize athlete welfare.
Global Fight League: A Game-Changer in MMA
GFL is emerging as a formidable player in the MMA landscape, with an impressive roster of over 300 fighters. This organization differentiates itself from industry stalwarts like UFC, Bellator, and PFL by promising unique incentives and support structures for its athletes. Many fighters, including those who have previously been part of elite organizations, are taking note of GFL’s commitment to ensuring that its athletes are compensated fairly. With former UFC standout VanZant joining the ranks, GFL aims to build a reputation that emphasizes not just competition but also the livelihood of its fighters.
The promotion’s model appears to focus on both individual and team-based formats, offering a league-style competition that is projected to be intriguing. This format differs from traditional promotions and allows for more dynamic matchups and rivalries as the organization rolls out its unique playoff structure in the coming months.
For VanZant, her journey has been driven not merely by a desire for fame but by an unwavering passion for combat sports. With a record of 8 wins and 5 losses, including a 5-4 record in the UFC, her path has been anything but linear. After her exit from the UFC following a difficult submission loss to Amanda Ribas in July 2020, VanZant explored various opportunities, including bare-knuckle boxing and professional wrestling. Her willingness to adapt and try new avenues reflects both her resilience as a fighter and her desire to remain within the public eye.
Reflecting on her decision to join GFL, VanZant stated, “I didn’t leave MMA because I wasn’t passionate about it anymore.” This sentiment resonates with many fighters who view their sport not just as a career but as an integral part of their identity. Her obvious enthusiasm for GFL stands as a testament to her belief in the promotion’s model and potential for growth in a sport that has at times neglected its athletes.
One of the most compelling aspects of GFL that has attracted VanZant and other fighters is the organization’s commitment to providing an array of benefits. Co-founder Darren Owen has highlighted an innovative incentive structure that includes a 50-50 revenue split, retirement benefits, and health insurance for athletes. Such focus on fighter welfare represents an essential evolution in the sport, historically identified more with excitement and competition than with athlete support.
VanZant has expressed her excitement regarding these benefits, which might set GFL apart from other promotions that often leave fighters grappling with financial uncertainties. “They are doing a pension fund for the fighters, and I think health insurance,” she wrote, noting that these initiatives will not only enhance the quality of life for fighters but also foster a more sustainable career path within the sport.
The Road Ahead for VanZant and GFL
As both VanZant and GFL prepare for the promotional launch in April 2025, anticipation is mounting. This partnership is more than a return to competition for VanZant; it is an opportunity to redefine her legacy within a framework that values fighters as integral stakeholders. The fresh landscape offered by GFL could bring renewed vigor to her career and create avenues for other fighters seeking to escape traditional promotion struggles.
Paige VanZant’s return to MMA under the banner of Global Fight League signifies a pivotal moment not only for her but also for the MMA industry as a whole. With progressive benefits for fighters and an innovative league format, GFL may well be the catalyst for change that the sport needs, ushering in an era where athletes can pursue their passions with the security and support they deserve.