In the main event of BKFC’s KnuckleMania, Hart spoiled the promotional debut of former UFC fighter Paige VanZant with a unanimous decision win. All three judges scored the fight 49-46 for Hart, who earned her second straight win inside the squared circle.
While Hart admits she had a chip on her shoulder, she also will need a bit of dental work coming out of her big win.
“I came out here to prove that I’m tired of being the underdog and that if you work hard enough, you’ll be able to do it,” Hart said at the event’s post-fight press conference. “This is no discredit to Paige. It’s funny, I hope the boss man fixes my teeth again. That would be nice. I started off with crooked teeth and Bec [Rawlings] made them really straight and Paige, credit to her, I’ve never been hit as hard as Paige VanZant hits. I’ll give her that.”
VanZant proved her toughness throughout the five-round battle, even landing more shots throughout the fight, although Hart was landing with more effectiveness. “12 Gauge” came out much more aggressive in the final frame which turned out to be the best round of the fight.
In the end, VanZant didn’t get her hand raised but she left an impression on her opponent.
“Everyone got it right. Whoever said she had that power, they weren’t lying,” Hart explained. “That was the hardest I have ever been hit and I’ve been hit by grown men, unfortunately, a few times in my life. They didn’t even hit as hard as Paige VanZant did. Credit to her. It was a wake up call.”
Although she didn’t speak to reporters after the fight, VanZant took to social media to react to her bare knuckle debut.
While the next move for either fighter is up in the air, Hart hopes VanZant sticks with her fighting career in the organization.
“I hope Paige VanZant comes back and I hope she takes out some garbage,” Hart stated.
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