Power Slap 8: Paige VanZant vs. Christine Wolmarans: Full video highlights
Power Slap 8 featured the highly anticipated debut of former UFC women's flyweight and strawweight contender Paige VanZant. She took on Christine Wolmarans in a women's bantamweight clash.
Following her departure from the UFC, VanZant tested her skills in bare-knuckle fighting and professional boxing. She competed twice under the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) banner, succumbing to unanimous decision losses against Britain Hart and Rachael Ostovich.
Most recently, she settled for a majority draw against Elle Brooke in her professional boxing debut with Misfits Boxing on May 25 at the NRG Arena in Houston, Texas.
Meanwhile, her opponent Wolmarans is also a former MMA fighter, who wielded a 1-2 professional record. The scheduled confrontation against VanZant marks Wolmarans' sophomore appearance in Power Slap, having lost to Sheena Bathory via second-round knockout on her debut.
Check out the video of VanZant warming up backstage:
With over 3,000 people in attendance, the stage was set for the impending showdown. VanZant walked out for the "ultimate test of toughness" suited up in the black attire while her opponent sported the blue gear.
Check out the video below:
'12 Gauge' won the toss and took position to launch the first attack. She unleashed a powerful blow after three wind-ups. Wolmarans absorbed the attack like a professional and dusted up to return the favor. VanZant simply nodded off her opponent's blow without any trouble.
Check out the first-round exchanges below:
On her second try, VanZant unleashed a fiery open-handed strike that wobbled her opponent. Wolmarans leaned on the podium to keep her balance. She recovered before the 10-count and fired back with little consequence on her opponent.
The third round progressed similarly with VanZant getting the better of the slap exchanges with her opponent barely surviving. Even a flinching foul in the third and an extra attempt for her opponent didn't faze VanZant as she shrugged off her opponent's attacks.
Check out some of the exchanges below:
In the end, the judges scored the contest unanimously in her favor by scores of 30-25 on all three judges' scorecards. Following the win, VanZant claimed that she's here for a long relationship and thanked UFC CEO Dana White for the opportunity.
Check out the post-fight videos below: