Paige VanZant supports Donald Cerrone‘s return to the UFC, expressing excitement for potential matchups and acknowledging his legacy, while she prepares for her second Power Slap event against Chelsea Dodson, the wife of John Dodson, whom she admires.
Dana White might not be thrilled about Donald Cerrone’s UFC return, but Paige VanZant? She’s all in.
Cerrone’s itching to step back into the octagon, aiming for two more fights to hit a total of 50 appearances across UFC and WEC. VanZant, who’s known “Cowboy” for ages, is already picking out her front-row seat for his next bout.
“Oh, absolutely, he’s ‘Cowboy,’” VanZant told MMA Fighting. “One, he will forever be a draw, be a trailblazer, one of the greatest of all-time. I think there’s some incredible matchups for him in the UFC. As a fan of his, and knowing him as a person, it’s extremely exciting.”
Meanwhile, VanZant’s gearing up for her second Power Slap appearance on Oct. 24 in Abu Dhabi during UFC 308 fight week. She’ll face Chelsea Dodson, hoping to boost her Slap record to 2-0 after her unanimous win in June.
Chelsea Dodson—sound familiar? Yep, she’s married to John Dodson, the BKFC flyweight champ and former UFC title contender. Funny enough, VanZant has always been a fan of John’s work in the cage and ring.
VanZant isn’t sure if she’s met Chelsea before their upcoming Power Slap match.
“No, I don’t think so,” VanZant said. “I was such a fan of John’s in the UFC. I went and trained at Donald Cerrone’s house, on his ranch, when I was 18 years old, and I was fortunate enough to train at [Jackson-Wink], and [John] was there. He couldn’t have been more friendly and nice. I think I just talked to him in passing.
“Of course, being in the UFC world, and now the BKFC world, it’s just a cool experience to see these worlds colliding.”