Paige VanZant shows she's no fluke with brutal beatdown of Felice Herrig

 

If anyone was still questioning Paige VanZant's ability after her rousing UFC debut in November of 2014, they won't be anymore.

The 21-year-old former ring girl was labeled just a pretty face when she squared off with Kailin Curran at UFC on Fox 15 – when it was over, she was $50,000 richer after dominating her opponent en route to a performance of the night bonus from UFC president Dana White.

On Saturday, in front of pumped-up Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, VanZant put on a performance that should continue to quell any debate on just where exactly the blossoming flyweight belongs.

For facing a self-professed "idol" in veteran Felice Herrig, VanZant showed a complete lack of regard, or any semblance of respect. From the opening bell, VanZant was relentless with her attack. When the fight went to the mat – a place where the ground-based Herrig was said to have an advantage – VanZant dominated with wily, veteran-like scrambles and postured punches.

Those same postured punches spelled the end for Herrig as the final seconds ticked away in round three, her face swollen and battered by the frenetic onslaught of the Team Alpha Male prospect.

"I can't believe I just beat Felice Herrig," said a giddy VanZant to UFC commentator Joe Rogan after the fight. "She was one of my idols. This is huge."

Herrig (10-6), is a six-year veteran with a host of bigger league experience (Bellator/Invicta) under her belt, so it's understandable that VanZant is pleased with her performance. It would stand to reason that VanZant (5-1) might find herself with a touch of nerves heading into such a big fight against an opponent she held such reverence for. However, ask VanZant about nerves, and that's when the bubbly former cheerleader shows her true colors.

"I don't feel any pressure," she said. "I'm the underdog, I'm supposed to lose. So, winning makes it feel that much better."

Even better? She's only 21 with just six professional fights – two in the UFC. VanZant couldn't help but admit she was emotionally overwhelmed in the Octagon on Saturday.

"I started crying before the fight was over,' she said with a laugh. "So, it's very emotional."

That may have been a first for the sport of MMA – but after two incredibly exciting UFC bouts to her credit, a newly-inked Reebok sponsorship, and plenty of attention, Paige VanZant could celebrate however she wanted.