It turned out that Paige VanZant was too young to compete on “The Ultimate Fighter 20,” but Felice Herrig thinks she wouldn’t have made it far anyway.
“I think she would have fought Carla (Esparza) and lost,” Herrig told MMAjunkie.
What that means is Herrig believes VanZant would’ve been seeded dead last in a field of 16 women’s strawweights tapped for the reality show, which wrapped this past December with Esparza winning the single-elimination tournament.
“I don’t believe that Paige is the elite of the elite; I don’t believe she is the best of the best,” Herrig said. “I really believe that any one of those girls in the house would have beat Paige.”
Had VanZant not been 20 years old and thus ineligible for “TUF 20,” Herrig would have lived in close quarters and perhaps even fought her as the No. 6 seed in the tournament. That, however, never came to pass. Herrig defeated No. 11 seed Heather Clark in her first fight, but she was eliminated in the show’s quarterfinals. VanZant, meanwhile, was signed to a separate contract.
Post-show, Herrig defeated No. 13 seed Lisa Ellis, and VanZant went on to defeat Kailin Curran in her octagon debut.
They might have eluded each other on camera, but the two will meet Saturday on the FOX-televised main card of UFC on FOX 13, which takes place at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
In facing VanZant (4-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Herrig (10-5 MMA, 1-0 UFC) has a chance to back up her opinion that the now-21-year-old fighter, who’s rocketed to popularity following the win over Curran, is overhyped and not the future of the UFC at 115 pounds.
“Those girls in the house were the best of the best,” Herrig said. “I just don’t think she’s at that level right now. She’s still young. I’m not trying to bash her and say that she sucks. I just think that at this point in her career, I don’t think she is at the top of the division.”
The logical conclusion many fans might make from Herrig’s words is that she’s underestimating her opponent, a historically dangerous thing to do. But Herrig, who’s a small underdog according to current lines, insists she respects VanZant as a competitor and isn’t overlooking the challenge ahead.
“I’m still training three times a day; I’m still giving her the respect like I’m fighting for a world title,” she said. “Whether or not I believe she’s so great, that doesn’t mean I’m not training my ass off like I’m fighting (current champ) Joanna (Jedrzejczyk). I don’t underestimate anyone, but I also don’t give credit where I don’t believe credit is deserved. What has Paige done in her career to be labeled as a top fighter in the UFC?”
Herrig is correct that VanZant boasts no notable opposition on her resume. In contrast, Herrig has fought several top-tier fighters. Five of them competed on “TUF 20,” including Esparza, to whom she lost via decision.
VanZant, however, showed a tenacity against Curran that hinted at a talent beyond her years. But that talent won’t be validated until she beats bigger names like Herrig.
If Herrig is training for anything, it’s to make sure VanZant stumbles in her first test.
“This isn’t my personal vendetta against Paige,” she said. “Prove me wrong, Paige. It’s her job to prove she’s a top contender in the women’s strawweight (division). That’s not me. Anybody can go out there and say you’re not this, you’re not that. People said it about me 100 times.
“One step at a time, one fight at a time, but so far in her career, she hasn’t done anything that has put her in the position to really be considered a top strawweight in the world. I’m not trying to dog her. I’m not trying to underestimate her. Just prove me wrong; prove everyone wrong.”
For more on UFC on FOX 15, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.
MMAjunkie Radio broadcasts Monday-Friday at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) live from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino’s Race & Sports Book. The show, available on SiriusXM channel 92, is hosted by “Gorgeous” George Garcia and producer Brian “Goze” Garcia. For more information or to download past episodes, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio.
view original article >>