Rising Star Paige VanZant Earns Top Billing Against Joanne Calderwood At UFC Fight Night 80

Paige VanZant punches Alex Chambers during women's strawweight clash at UFC 191 — Getty Images

After signing a brand new UFC deal, talented strawweight Paige VanZant is getting the star treatment for her next appearance. The dynamic 21-year-old will be getting her first-ever main event opportunity at Fight Night 80 in Las Vegas. VanZant will square off against Scottish striker Joanne Calderwood in the headliner of the Dec. 10 card. It’s all part of an extremely busy week that will feature three UFC events on three consecutive nights.

The no. 6-ranked VanZant is 3-0 during her Octagon tenure and appears poised for future superstardom. Her obvious good looks and aggressive fighting style have helped make her one of the most popular fighters in the division. “12 Gauge” is coming off an impressive submission victory over Alex Chambers at UFC 191. VanZant has reeled off four straight wins since her lone career setback against Tecia Torres.

There’s no doubt that the Team Alpha Male product possesses the skills to emerge as a legitimate future title threat. VanZant’s other UFC triumphs have come against Kailin Curran and Felice Herrig. VanZant is a buzzsaw with her relentless pace and tenacity, and has proven to be more than just a pretty face. She’s produced three finishes in compiling a 6-1 career mark.

This also looms as a major assignment for the no. 8-ranked Calderwood. She’s posted a 2-1 UFC record and is fresh off an exciting unanimous decision win at Fight Night 72 over Cortney Casey. That entertaining battle earned a Fight of the Night bonus in Scotland. It was a strong rebound effort after suffering her first career loss against Maryna Moroz. That upset defeat likely cost “JoJo” a title shot against champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk. The 28-year-old Calderwood possesses excellent Muay Thai skills and gets a chance to try and derail the VanZant hype train. Four of her ten career victories have come by knockout.

This should prove to be a compelling battle between a rising star and a proven veteran. VanZant is definitely getting a major step up against the rugged Calderwood as she attempts to continue her rapid rise up the 115-pound ladder. Based upon the styles of both fighters, it’s a contest that has promising potential.

Rick LaFitte is an MMA Writer for Rant Sports