5 Shocking Ways Paige VanZant’s Dancing With The Stars Run Changed Her Career Forever

Paige VanZant’s unforgettable run on *Dancing with the Stars* Season 22 remains one of the most successful—and surprising—celebrity transformations in the show’s history. The formidable UFC fighter, known for her aggression in the octagon, traded her gloves for dancing shoes and shocked audiences with her grace, athleticism, and emotional vulnerability. Her journey to the runner-up spot, alongside professional partner Mark Ballas, proved that her fighting spirit translated perfectly to the ballroom, leaving an indelible mark on her career that is still felt today, as of December 13, 2025. The impact of her 2016 appearance was immediate and long-lasting, catapulting her from a rising MMA star to a mainstream media personality. This deep dive explores the key moments, perfect scores, and lasting influence of her time on the show, which directly led to her multi-faceted career as a bare-knuckle boxer, professional wrestler, author, and content creator.

Paige VanZant: Complete Athlete Profile and Biography

Before stepping onto the *Dancing with the Stars* stage, Paige VanZant had already established herself as a fierce competitor in the world of mixed martial arts. Her DWTS appearance was a pivotal moment, introducing her dynamic personality to a global, non-MMA audience. Here is a complete profile of the multi-talented athlete.

• Full Name: Paige Michelle VanZant
• Born: March 26, 1994
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 31
• Birthplace: Dayton, Oregon, U.S.
• Height: 5 ft 4 in (163 cm)
• Stance: Orthodox (in combat sports)
• Spouse: Austin Vanderford (Professional MMA Fighter, Married since 2018)
• Primary Professions: Mixed Martial Artist (MMA), Bare Knuckle Boxer (BKFC), Professional Wrestler, Author, Model, Content Creator.
• UFC Career Highlights: Competed in the Women's Strawweight and Flyweight divisions, known for her high-volume, aggressive fighting style.
• DWTS Season: Season 22 (2016)
• DWTS Partner: Mark Ballas
• DWTS Final Standing: Runner-up (2nd Place)

The Unexpected Partnership: VanZant and Mark Ballas

Paige VanZant was paired with two-time Mirrorball champion Mark Ballas for *Dancing with the Stars* Season 22. The pairing was initially viewed as an interesting contrast: the rugged fighter and the artistic, flamboyant professional dancer. However, their chemistry quickly became one of the season’s biggest talking points.

The duo, affectionately nicknamed "Team Pow-Pow," demonstrated a remarkable synergy. Ballas’s innovative choreography was perfectly suited to VanZant’s incredible athleticism and discipline, honed through years of MMA training. Her ability to take complex direction and execute difficult lifts and footwork with precision was a testament to her dedication as an athlete.

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The season was highly competitive, featuring other notable celebrities like model Nyle DiMarco, actress Jodie Sweetin, and NFL star Antonio Brown. VanZant and Ballas consistently placed at the top of the leaderboard, earning high praise from judges Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli.

The Perfect Scores and Iconic Performances That Defined Her Run

VanZant’s journey was highlighted by a series of sensational performances that proved she was far more than just a novelty act. Her emotional depth and technical skill grew each week, culminating in a near-perfect run in the final weeks of the competition.

Week 4: Disney Night Quickstep

One of the season's most memorable routines was her Quickstep, performed to a song from the movie *Toy Story*. The high-energy, technically demanding routine showcased her speed and lightness on her feet, earning her a near-perfect score early in the competition.

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The Freestyle: A Perfect 30 and the Emotional Climax

The most crucial performance of the season was the Finale Freestyle. VanZant and Ballas performed a stunning, emotionally charged routine to "Over The Rainbow." The judges awarded them a flawless 30 out of 30, recognizing the routine’s technical brilliance and the raw emotion VanZant poured into the performance.

Despite closing the finale with the top combined scores from the judges, VanZant and Ballas ultimately finished in second place. The Mirrorball Trophy went to model and deaf activist Nyle DiMarco and his partner Peta Murgatroyd, who won based on a combination of judges' scores and viewer votes. VanZant’s second-place finish, however, was a monumental achievement for an athlete crossing over into the highly specialized world of ballroom dance.

5 Shocking Ways DWTS Changed Paige VanZant’s Career Trajectory

Paige VanZant’s 10 weeks on *Dancing with the Stars* did more than just teach her to dance; it fundamentally reshaped the course of her professional life, opening doors that an MMA career alone could not.

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1. Massive Mainstream Visibility and Brand Growth:

   Before DWTS, Paige VanZant was known primarily to UFC fans. The show instantly exposed her to millions of viewers across the globe, dramatically increasing her social media following and marketability. This mainstream exposure was instrumental in landing lucrative endorsement deals and publishing her autobiography, *Rise: Surviving the Fight of My Life*. The DWTS platform allowed her to cultivate a 'girl-next-door' image while still being a formidable fighter.

2. The Transition to Bare-Knuckle Boxing (BKFC):

   While her move from the UFC to the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) was a financial and career decision, the confidence and media savvy she gained from DWTS were crucial. She was able to negotiate a high-profile contract and command a massive audience, a level of star power directly tied to her reality TV fame. Her ability to handle intense media scrutiny and perform under pressure was sharpened by the live television environment of the show.

3. Diversification into Professional Wrestling:

   VanZant's natural charisma and stage presence, refined in the ballroom, made her a perfect fit for professional wrestling. Her successful transition to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) demonstrated that she could captivate an audience in a theatrical, performance-based setting. The skills learned from Ballas—choreography, storytelling through movement, and connecting with a crowd—were directly applicable to the wrestling ring.

4. Enhanced Vulnerability and Fan Connection:

   During her "Most Memorable Year" performance, VanZant shared her story of being bullied and overcoming emotional trauma, a moment that deeply resonated with viewers. This vulnerability created a powerful emotional connection with her fans that transcended her tough-fighter persona. It showed a multi-dimensional personality, fueling her popularity and securing her a loyal following that supports her across all her ventures, from fighting to her content creation.

5. A Permanent 'A-List' Entity:

   Regardless of her future results in the cage or ring, her DWTS appearance secured her status as a permanent 'A-List' celebrity. She is now consistently mentioned in the same breath as other crossover stars who have successfully leveraged the show to redefine their careers, such as Simone Biles, Ronda Rousey, and others. The *Dancing with the Stars* runner-up title is a lasting credential that ensures her continued relevance in the entertainment world, far beyond the lifespan of her athletic career.