Names/Paige/Paige VanZant
AthleteAmerican1994 – present

Paige VanZant

Mixed martial artist and professional wrestler; former UFC fighter

Biography

Paige VanZant (March 26, 1994 – present) is an American mixed martial artist, professional wrestler, and television personality known for her accomplishments in combat sports. Born in Dundee, Oregon, VanZant began training in martial arts as a child and made her MMA debut in 2012. She quickly rose through the ranks and signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2014, becoming one of the organization's most prominent female fighters. Competing in the flyweight and bantamweight divisions, VanZant earned notoriety for her striking ability, aggressive fighting style, and charismatic personality. She achieved an 8-4 record in the UFC while competing against elite competition and became known for her media presence and fan engagement. Beyond MMA, VanZant transitioned to professional wrestling, signing with WWE in 2021 and later competing in AEW (All Elite Wrestling), demonstrating her versatility across combat sports disciplines. She has also appeared on reality television shows and maintained a significant social media presence. VanZant's career represents the modern evolution of women's combat sports, where athletic achievement intersects with personality-driven media presence and entrepreneurial opportunities across multiple sports platforms.

The Name Paige

Paige has become increasingly popular as a first name for girls in contemporary America, with athletes like VanZant exemplifying its modern, athletic associations.

Quick Facts
Category

Athlete

Nationality

American

Born

1994

Thinking about the name

Paige

English origin

Paige derives from the English occupational word for a young attendant or servant in a noble household, denoting youth, service, and learning. The name gained prominence as a given name in the 20th century, transforming a medieval role into a marker of sophistication. Its simplicity and literary quality have made it enduringly popular among English-speaking families.