Paige VanZant Announced As Dancing With The Stars Contestant

UFC rising star Paige VanZant has been announced as a contestant on the 22nd season of ‘Dancing With The Stars’ which begins on March 21st on ABC.

The 21 year-old PVZ follows in the footsteps of UFC legends Randy Couture and Chuck Liddell who’ve also featured on previous editions of the show, though she’s the first to appear while also still being an active UFC fighter.

VanZant will be rubbing shoulders with the likes of NFL players Von Miller and Antonio Brown, former player Doug Floutie, actresses Mischa Barton and Jodie Sweetin and TV host Geraldo Rivera to name just a few.

There’s no doubt this is a dream come true for ’12 Gauge’ who’s been a dancer for over 13 years in ballet, jazz and hip-hop styles.

However, it is likely to distract her from her career in the UFC for the time being which is unfortunate as she’s a developing talent who started strongly in the Octagon with three wins in a row, but was then humbled by Rose Namajunas back in December who submitted her in the fifth round of their main event fight at UFC Fight Night 80 after dominating the action.

Still, appearing on DWTS was too big of an opportunity to turn down and should enhance her star power considerably.

@dancingabc I'm COMING for you!!!!!

A photo posted by Paige VanZant (@paigevanzantufc) on

Ross launched MMA Insight (previously FightOfTheNight.com) in 2009 as a way to channel his passion for the sport of mixed martial arts. He's since penned countless news stories and live fight reports along with dozens of feature articles as the lead writer for the site, reaching millions of fans in the process.