Paige VanZant hits the commentary booth for M-1 Global on UFC Fight Pass

Paige VanZant has had a ton of interesting opportunities across her five-year stint as an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter. From reality show runs on “Dancing With The Stars” and “Chopped” to the release of her powerful biography with a major publication, the sky seems to be the limit for the 24-year-old star, even though it’s still a big question whether she’ll ever hold a championship belt in the cage.

A big win over Rachel Ostovich on UFC’s debut ESPN card snapped a two-fight losing skid, but VanZant’s momentum has once again been derailed by a broken arm, the second such injury in little more than one year. It looks like she’ll be keeping herself busy with another extracurricular activity while she heals up. In a press release put out by UFC, it was announced that “PVZ” would make her live debut as an mixed martial arts (MMA) lead color commentator for M-1 Global - USA on April 4, 2019.

Road to M-1: USA 2, held at the Pipa Event Center at Quechan Casino Resort in Yuma, Ariz., will air exclusively on UFC Fight Pass. Former Bellator MMA commentator and M-1 fixture Sean Wheelock will handle play-by-play duties alongside VanZant.

VanZant teased the announcement on her social media accounts the day before the announcement was made.

“I’m really excited for this opportunity to work as the color commentator for M-1 Global - USA on UFC FIGHT PASS,” VanZant said in the press release. “I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to showcase my skills on the other side of the microphone.”

VanZant will bring a bevy of experience appearing network TV shows like “Good Morning America,” and with UFC’s heavy reliance on fighters in commentary and analyst roles, we don’t doubt the promotion is hoping she’ll develop into a talented on-air personality.

As for how long it will take before her arm heals and she returns back to the Octagon? VanZant is hoping to be cleared to train in one month, which could have her back sometime after July. But, you’ll still be seeing a lot of Paige VanZant sooner than that. She’s set to appear in the upcoming Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, which comes out in May.