Ex-UFC star Paige VanZant to return to bare-knuckle boxing in February in do-or-die fight for BKFC career

PAIGE VANZANT is set to return to the bare-knuckle boxing ring early next year.

The former UFC star hasn't fought since losing her showdown with fellow ex-MMA fighter Rachel Ostovich last July.

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But the fighter and model will be back in action at BKFC's third KnuckleMania event on February 27.

BKFC president Dave Feldman told "She'll fight on February 27 on our KnuckleMania 3 card and that will take place in New Mexico.

"We've got some sensational bouts for that card. It will be our biggest event, by far, and the most talked about, I believe.

"We have some really, really big names that are going to be on the top three of that card."

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VanZant, 28, has yet to taste victory since inking a lucrative multi-fight deal with BKFC in the summer of 2020.

The American Top Team ace has suffered consecutive defeats to Britain Hart and Ostovich in her two outings in the promotion, both of which she lost via decision.

And BKFC chief Feldman recently admitted PVZ's next fight is a must-win if she's to continue competing in the promotion.

He told GiveMeSport: "If Paige loses, her bare-knuckle career is definitely at an end.

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“I mean, she did an interview and said there was no pressure on this fight.

"So, you know, if she feels there’s no pressure, then maybe, you know, maybe she’s very confident.

"But, you know, I can’t keep saying after every fight, we’ll see how she does.

“And that’s why if she doesn’t do well in this fight, If she doesn’t come out victorious, or at least look very, very good, then she’s probably at the end of her bare-knuckle career.”

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Ex-UFC straw and flyweight VanZant was due to be back in action at BKFC's debut event in London in August.

But her clash with Charisa Sigala was called off at the eleventh hour - much to her annoyance.

She said: "I did not pull [out] from my fight!!!! I was pulled!

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"I am pissed off and heartbroken.

"I worked my f***ing ass off to be pulled a week before I am supposed to compete."