Claudia Gadelha on Paige VanZant: She sells well, but can't beat anyone in UFC's Top 5

Paige VanZant has proven that she deserves all the hype and publicity -- as well as the sponsorships -- she's received since making her Octagon debut last year.

After besting Kailin Curran in her first UFC bout, "12 Gauge" went on to defeat long-time veteran Felice Herrig at UFC on FOX 15 last month in Newark, New Jersey (full video replay here).

Yet, there are still those who feel the young prospect is nowhere near ready to take on the best the women's Strawweight division has to offer. One of those people is Claudia Gadelha, who told reporters (via MMA Fighting) that as talented she she is, VanZant cannot beat any of the Top 5-ranked fighters in the division ... herself included.

Her words:

"She's aggressive and has a good cardio, but still has a lot to learn. She's starting now. She's training in a good team, but I think (VanZant and Herrig) still have a lot to evolve in the division. They are both well ranked, but still have a long way to go before fighting for the title. I don't think you can put her (Paige) against the lions yet. If you put her against anyone from the top 5, she can't win. She's a good fighter, super talented, and the UFC is doing a good marketing on her. She sells well, but still has a lot to learn. She's too young. She just started in this sport. She's a beautiful fighter and knows how to sell her image, and that's good for the UFC. But I guarantee she wouldn't do well against any top 5 fighter."

Tecia Torres agrees.

Despite all the criticism, VanZant has garnered along the way, she has managed to take everything in stride and set herself up nicely as one of the new faces of women's mixed martial arts (MMA).

Dancing in pumps helps, too.

Indeed, she has the "It" factor," but do you agree with the Brazilian that VanZant lacks the skills to beat the cream of the crop?