Paige VanZant is a name that has become synonymous with not just mixed martial arts (MMA), but also with social media fame, professional wrestling, and even dancing. Known for her striking skills inside the cage, her appearance on “Dancing with the Stars,” and her presence in various media outlets, VanZant has had a diverse career. While much of her career has been associated with MMA and her striking abilities, there is another aspect of her life that has caught the attention of fans and followers—her involvement with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).
In this article, we will explore Paige VanZant’s journey with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, how it has influenced her career, and why this discipline has become a central part of her martial arts training.
Table of Contents
Who is Paige VanZant?
Paige VanZant is an American mixed martial artist, author, and television personality. She first gained widespread attention in 2014 when she joined the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) at the age of 20, becoming one of the youngest fighters in the organization. Known for her striking skills, VanZant quickly became a fan favorite with her aggressive fighting style and her charismatic personality.
However, VanZant’s career is not limited to MMA. She also gained significant recognition for her appearance on “Dancing with the Stars,” where she became a finalist. In addition, Paige has ventured into professional wrestling with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), further expanding her brand and marketability.
Her skills, charisma, and social media presence have made her a versatile figure in the world of combat sports and beyond.
Paige VanZant’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Journey
Although Paige VanZant is best known for her striking prowess in MMA, her grappling skills have become a more significant aspect of her fighting career, especially as she has evolved as a mixed martial artist. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), a martial art that focuses on ground fighting, submissions, and positional control, is an essential skill for any MMA fighter. It was in BJJ that VanZant began to address her weaknesses and develop a more well-rounded skill set.
1. Initial Training in BJJ
Like most MMA fighters, Paige VanZant started her training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to complement her stand-up game. In MMA, being proficient in BJJ is crucial, as many fights end up on the ground, where submission techniques and escapes from dominant positions become vital. VanZant began training at an early stage of her career in order to improve her overall grappling skills.
2. Training Under Top Coaches
VanZant has trained under some prominent coaches in BJJ. Throughout her MMA career, she trained with different teams, including the renowned team at Gracie Barra and later with coaches at the MMA gym “Team Alpha Male” in Sacramento, California. Her exposure to high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners has helped her improve her submissions and defensive grappling.
While Paige is not known for being a BJJ specialist in the same way that some of her MMA peers are, her grappling skills have become more refined as she has progressed in her career. This has allowed her to evolve into a more complete fighter, capable of competing at a higher level.
3. Competitions and Achievements
As of now, Paige VanZant has not been as active in BJJ competitions as she has been in MMA. However, her experience and training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu have had a clear impact on her MMA performances, particularly when she has faced opponents who try to bring the fight to the ground. For example, her submission victories in MMA have shown that she has a strong understanding of BJJ techniques.
Despite focusing mainly on her MMA career, VanZant has also occasionally trained and rolled in BJJ tournaments, demonstrating her commitment to improving her grappling game. The cross-over between BJJ and MMA is essential, and many top MMA fighters, including VanZant, see the value in continuous BJJ training.
4. Focus on Submission Grappling
In addition to traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Paige VanZant has also dabbled in submission grappling, which is essentially BJJ without the strikes. In submission grappling competitions, athletes are allowed to focus purely on submissions, positioning, and transitions. This environment allows fighters to hone their grappling techniques without the pressure of defending strikes.
5. Transition to Bare Knuckle Fighting
In 2020, VanZant made the transition to bare-knuckle boxing with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). Although this is a striking-focused sport, her BJJ background has helped her maintain composure and control during clinches and other grappling situations in the ring. Her grappling skillset has made her more versatile, which is key in adjusting to new fighting formats.
Why BJJ Matters for MMA Fighters
While Paige VanZant’s journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu may not have been as publicized as her striking, BJJ is crucial for any well-rounded MMA fighter. Here’s why:
1. Ground Control and Submissions
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is known for its emphasis on ground control and submissions, areas of fighting where many MMA fighters struggle. A solid understanding of BJJ allows fighters to control the pace of a fight, avoid dangerous positions, and submit their opponents when the opportunity arises.
2. Defensive Grappling
Even if a fighter is not a BJJ expert, knowing the fundamentals can be essential for defending against takedowns, escaping submissions, and gaining top control in scrambles. Paige VanZant’s growth as a fighter has come from her ability to defend against world-class grapplers, such as her former UFC opponents.
3. Transitioning Between Striking and Grappling
MMA is unique in that it requires fighters to be proficient in multiple disciplines, including striking, wrestling, and grappling. BJJ provides a framework for transitioning between striking and grappling seamlessly. Fighters who can strike effectively but also excel on the ground often have a significant advantage in MMA.
Paige VanZant and the Future of BJJ in Her Career
Paige VanZant’s involvement in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will likely continue to be a cornerstone of her MMA career, as grappling remains a central part of modern MMA. Whether through continuous training, participating in submission grappling events, or applying BJJ techniques in her upcoming fights, VanZant’s journey in the martial arts world is far from over. Her focus on grappling, combined with her striking skills, gives her the tools needed to remain competitive, regardless of the competition format.
While she may not have a BJJ black belt or compete regularly in BJJ tournaments, VanZant’s evolution as a fighter highlights the importance of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in mixed martial arts and the ongoing crossover between the two disciplines.
FAQs about Paige VanZant and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
1. Is Paige VanZant a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt?
No, Paige VanZant is not a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. While she has trained extensively in BJJ and has incorporated it into her MMA career, her primary focus has been on striking. Her BJJ skills are solid, but she has not achieved black belt status.
2. What BJJ techniques is Paige VanZant known for?
VanZant is known for her ability to use BJJ to transition between positions and submit opponents in MMA. She has a solid understanding of submissions, particularly in scrambles and when she’s on top. Her use of submission techniques such as armbar and rear-naked choke has helped her win multiple MMA fights.
3. Has Paige VanZant competed in BJJ tournaments?
Although VanZant’s primary focus has been on MMA, she has occasionally participated in submission grappling and BJJ events, primarily for training purposes and to improve her grappling. She has not been a regular competitor in BJJ tournaments.
4. How has BJJ helped Paige VanZant in MMA?
BJJ has significantly helped Paige VanZant in MMA by giving her a strong ground game. She is able to defend takedowns, escape from submissions, and capitalize on submissions when the opportunity arises. Her BJJ training has made her a more well-rounded fighter.
5. Does Paige VanZant still train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Yes, Paige VanZant continues to train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as part of her ongoing martial arts development. While her focus may shift to different aspects of training depending on her current goals, BJJ remains a crucial component of her skill set.
Conclusion
Paige VanZant has built a remarkable career through her striking prowess, public persona, and versatility as an athlete. While her work in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu may not be as publicized as her striking or dancing endeavors, her grappling game has played a significant role in her MMA success. By continuing to evolve as a fighter with a strong BJJ foundation, VanZant remains one of the most dynamic athletes in combat sports today, poised to influence the future of both MMA and grappling.
