UFC flyweight Paige VanZant has parlayed her MMA career into mainstream success. The 25-year-old has already been a runner-up on Dancing With The Stars, written a book, and worked as a model while competing in the Octagon eight times. It seems that all of her other work is making her way more money than actual fighting though.
In an interview on The MMA Show on ESPN, VanZant (8-4, 5-3 UFC) stated that she actually generates more income from posting on social media than the UFC is paying her:
“I make way more money sitting at home, posting pictures on Instagram, than I do fighting. With endorsement deals and everything I pull in from social media, I would actually be a a loss just taking a fight and focusing on that.”
She continued on, discussing her contract negotiations with the UFC for her last deal:
“When I did my contract negotiation the last time, the talk was, ‘I can’t pay you more than a female champion.’ Okay, but why are comparing me to just women? All of us should be getting paid more in general.
“I want a significant pay raise, to be completely honest. I’ve just been extremely accomplished outside of the UFC, as well as inside of the UFC. Five wins in the UFC, four finishes, I’ve been main event twice, and I think someone with those accolades should be paid more.”
VanZant is currently recovering from an arm injury and hasn’t competed since January, when she submitted Rachael Ostovich to end a two-fight losing streak.
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