The disturbing news involving Rachael Ostovich being pulled off the UFC’s first show on ESPN has prompted two UFC fighters to call our her previously scheduled opponent Paige VanZant.
Strawweight Maycee Barber and flyweight Gillian Robertson both offered their services against the Paige VanZant in separate tweets.
Who wants to see me back in action against PVZ Juanuary 19th in Brooklyn?! Comment below! #THEFUTURE @ Brooklyn, New York https://t.co/ROPxc96GqY
— Maycee Barber (@MayceeBarber) November 22, 2018
https://twitter.com/savage_ufc/status/1065428266742398976
Barber (6-0) is coming off an impressive UFC debut where she finished Hannah Cifers in the second round via ground and pound at UFC Fight Night 139. “The Future” previously earned her UFC contract with a TKO finish over Jamie Colleen at Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series back in July. Still a mere 20-years-old, Barber wants to become the youngest champion in UFC history and aims to move up the ranks as quickly as possible.
The Factory X member has finished five of her six career opponents, including wins over top prospects Itzel Esquivel and Mallory Martin. Barber has only fought once close to flyweight limit when she missed weight against Martin, coming in at 123.4-pounds.
Robertson (5-3) is coming off her first loss in the octagon as she was submitted by Mayra Bueno Silva in the first round at UFC Fight Night 137. Prior to that, the 23-year-old earned back-to-back wins in the UFC over Emily Whitmire and Molly McCann. The American Top Team product has submitted four of her eight career opponents.
VanZant (7-4) hasn’t fought since a unanimous decision setback to Jessica-Rose Clark at UFC Fight Night 124. The 24-year-old has been sidelined since then due to a broken arm in that fight and will have another significant layoff in her career. VanZant didn’t compete at all in 2017 due to injuries and other commitments outside the octagon. The Oregon native has lost three of her last four fights after starting off her career 6-1.
Who would you like to see Paige VanZant fight when the UFC debuts on ESPN this January?
This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 11/22/2018.