Check out a recap of the UFC on Fox 15 women's strawweight bout between Paige VanZant and Felice Herrig.
Paige VanZant has taken some criticism due to the opportunities she has been afforded already in her young career. The 21-year-old had just one UFC fight under her belt, but already bagged a Reebok sponsorship and a high level of popularity. The big question looming over her was simple - could she back up all the hype in the cage?
The answer is yes.
VanZant survived some early trouble to basically decimate opponent Felice Herrig in the opening main card bout at UFC on Fox 15. Herrig took advantage of VanZant's aggressiveness and had her in a bad spot, but VanZant was able to persevere and Herrig never really got back into the fight. VanZant used hip-tosses to get Herrig to the mat early in the second and third rounds, where she unleashed some nasty ground-and-pound that busted Herrig's face up. In the end, it was VanZant getting her hand raised.
Official Result: Paige VanZant defeats Felice Herrig by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
What was the high point of the fight?
The end of the second round was the high point for me - VanZant had Herrig pinned to the floor and dropped about 12 punches right to the grill in in a rapid-fire combination. Herrig was in distress and her face showed it when the horn went.
Where do these two go from here?
VanZant might very well be the next person to challenge for the strawweight title. The UFC might choose to bring her along slowly and cement her stardom before they do that, but it's also a new division and they need compelling matchups. If she doesn't get the shot in her next fight, I think one more win will get here there.
Herrig will continue to be a middling fighter in the division. She didn't make a lot of friends in the TUF house so it wouldn't surprise me if she took on one of her rivals from the show in her next bout.
Watch now, later, or never?
Now if you're interested in VanZant as a fighter. Later if you're just looking to watch good fights. While the bout was "fun", it was pretty sloppy and lacking in technique.
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