Bare Knuckle FC is reportedly close to landing a deal which would secure their most main stream star yet. According to MMA reporter, Mike Russell, Paige VanZant is nearing a deal with Bare Knuckle FC.
Hearing Paige VanZant is close to finalizing a deal with @bareknucklefc.
— Mike Russell ?? (@MIKERUSSELLMMA) July 29, 2020
Shortly after that news came out, Eric Kowal, who works for Bare Knuckle FC said on Twitter that he could confirm talks, but nothing was close at this time.
There are talks, nothing close yet.
— MyMMANews (@MyMMANews) July 29, 2020
Bare Knuckle FC and PVZ is an odd marriage
If the deal comes together between VanZant and Bare Knuckle, I would be incredible surprised. PVZ is coming off of a loss to Amanda Ribas back at UFC 251 in the last fight of her contract.
UFC president Dana White said that it would be wise for VanZant to test the free agent market. PVZ had been vocal about getting paid more for Instagram posts versus her UFC fights.
Bare Knuckle FC was founded back in 2018. Since the promotion has opened it’s doors, it has welcomed many UFC veterans from Chris Leben to Hector Lombard to Artem Lobov. They even featured former boxing champion, Paulie Malignaggi.
Signing VanZant would be a smart move by Bare Knuckle as they attempt to become a little more mainstream. While PVZ is not one of the best in the world, she would bring additional eyes to Bare Knuckle.
When VanZan’s contract ran up, I made the assumption that she would sign with Bellator given the interest from Scott Coker and the fact that her husband, Austin Vanderford, also fights for Bellator.
We don’t know any of the details at this time, but if Bare Knuckle is getting close to a deal, my guess is they are offering a very high number for PVZ.