UFC Strawweight VanZant Makes it to DWTS Finale

(Via YouTube)

Known for her impressive work in the octagon, UFC Strawweight Paige VanZant has moved her footwork to the dance floor in the 22^nd season of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.

Since the seasons kick off on March 21, VanZant along with pro-dancing partner Mark Ballas, have dominated the floor with impressive choreography and high energy. After earning their second perfect score from the judges on Monday’s semi-finals, the dancing duo have secured themselves a spot in the shows finals on Monday.

Will VanZant (6-2 MMA) head back to the octagon following Monday’s outcome? “12 Gauge” told MMA Junkie back in March that she was a fighter first and would continue training during the show’s duration.

“I definitely would accept a fight,” VanZant told MMAJunkie. “I’m still training while I’m out here. I’d give myself plenty of time to finish the show and then go into a full fight camp. I’m not going to rush myself or put myself in a bad position. But I’m a fighter first, so I’ll be ready to get back in the cage.”

From the looks of VanZant’s Instagram, she’s keeping her word. Making sure to get her training time in on the pads in between her dance rehearsals and live show performances. However, news broke earlier this month that the popular strawweight would not be joining the International Fight Week in July, let alone the headlining pay-per-view, UFC 200.

“After thinking about it, the show is taking up a lot of her time,” VanZant manager Mike Roberts told MMAFighting.com. “She wants to have time to improve and get better, so we decided to postpone her return to about late-August.”

As a 2-1 favorite for winning the ABC hit show, and only being 22, VanZant is being smart in her career. Following her first loss of her UFC career to Rose Namajunas in December, VanZant wants to be fully prepared to enter the octagon following one of the biggest moments of her out-of-MMA career.

Could VanZant be the first MMA fighter to win the Mirror Ball Trophy? Check out the Dancing with the Stars finale Monday the 23^rd at 8pm on ABC to find out!