Paige VanZant (7-4) has been teasing a comeback for some time. According to report from MMA Fighting, that comeback is now in the works. VanZant is expected to battle The Ultimate Fighter veteran Rachael Ostovich (4-4) when the UFC debuts on ESPN on January 18.

While Paige VanZant has been sidelined with injuries for some time, she assures her focus has not wavered.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmmkTFxF_Zu/

“I have not lost my fire,” she said in a recent Instagram post. “I have not lost my drive. It burns brighter and stronger than ever before. I have been dealing with a broken arm and multiple surgeries for eight months now. I don’t post a lot about it and share it because it’s not a happy part of my life. It sucks. I go to the gym every day and have to sit on the side of the mat and watch. I leave every practice in tears because of anger and jealousy. The lord is teaching me patience now more then ever. I am going to fight again. I am going to win again. PVZ will return. Don’t mistake my silence for weakness, no one plans a murder out loud.”

Paige VanZant has not fought since January, when she lost a decision to Jessica-Rose Clark in her flyweight debut. Her next most recent fight occurred in December of 2016, when she was quickly submitted by Michelle Waterson. These losses were preceded by a 2016 Knockout of the Year contender opposite Bec Rawlings.

Rachael Ostovich, meanwhile, last fought in July, when she gave up a decision to Montana De La Rosa. Her next most recent fight occured in December of 2017 when she defeated Karine Gevorgyan via first-round submission.

The UFC’s debut on ESPN is also expected to included a welterweight contender bout between former champion Robbie Lawler and former title challenger Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson.

Who do you think will win this reported Paige VanZant vs. Rachael Ostovich bout?

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 8/26/2018.