Paige VanZant
Mixed martial artist and professional wrestler; former UFC fighter
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.
Athlete
American
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.”