The distinction of youngest champion in UFC history can only belong to one fighter. Reigning light-heavyweight titleholder Jon Jones holds the record, but Paige VanZant thinks she has a realistic chance of breaking it.
Jones won his belt in March 2011 when he was just 23 years and eight months old. Some turbulence at the top of the 205-pound division earned him a quicker-than-expected title shot, but more than four years later “Bones” still holds the title and has become one of the most dominant champions in the sport’s history.
VanZant thinks she can follow in Jones’ footsteps. She just turned 21 this month, so she has more than two years to accomplish the feat. VanZant said the record isn’t something she often thinks about, but given her current upward trajectory, a title fight within that time period is possible.
“Obviously, that would be huge, and that would be awesome; I try not to think about it and try not to focus on setting records,” VanZant told MMAjunkie. “I strictly want to beat every opponent I face whether it’s for a title or for a small show. The only thing for me is winning my fights and being the best athlete I can be.”
One advantage VanZant holds over Jones is the depth in her weight class. Light heavyweight has long been a marquee division in the sport. However, the women’s strawweight class is less than a year old, so VanZant faces a less daunting climb to the top.
Youngest champ in UFC history? Paige VanZant has path to beat Jon Jones’ record | MMAjunkie