UFC's Paige VanZant Says She Earns More From Instagram Photos Than Fighting
By Claire Reid - LADbible
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UFC fighter Paige VanZant has blasted her pay from fighting, saying she earns more posting photos to her Instagram page.
The 25-year-old, who has won eight of her 12 MMA bouts, slammed the pay fighters earn in the Octagon and has said she wants the UFC to give her a raise. Well, you know what they say - don't ask, don't get.
VanZant has more than 2.2 million followers on her Instagram and as well as sharing general snaps of herself and her life, she also uploads a number of sponsored posts, which can be good money spinners.
Speaking on Ariel Helwani's MMA Show, VanZant said: "The hard thing for me to put in perspective is with endorsements I make way more money sitting at home, posting pictures on Instagram, than I do fighting.
"With endorsement deals and everything I pull in from social media, I would actually be a loss just taking a fight and focusing on that. If I were to stop everything I do outside of fighting and take a fight, I would be at a loss financially.
"When I did my contract negotiation the last time, the talk was, 'I can't pay you more than a female champion'.
"Okay, but why are comparing me to just women? All of us should be getting paid more in general."
VanZant has just one fight left on her current contract with the UFC and is preparing to ask for a hefty raise.
"I want a significant pay raise, to be completely honest.
"I've just been extremely accomplished outside of the UFC, as well as inside of the UFC.
"Five wins in the UFC, four finishes, I've been main event twice, and I think someone with those accolades should be paid more."
VanZant has been out of action since breaking her arm earlier this year and having to undergo a couple of surgeries, she says she should be able to start sparring again soon.
"I for sure am going to fight this year," she added. "Once I start sparring I want to sign a fight contract and be like six weeks out. I only have one left on my deal.
"I'm going to fight it out. Knowing it's my last fight I do want to go out with a statement. I want to come off of two wins, I want to really show what I'm worth."
VanZant has also launched a YouTube channel with her husband and fellow fighter Austin Vanderford called A Kickass Love Story: With Paige & Austin
