Strawweight star “12 Gauge” Paige VanZant made a triumphant return to the Octagon tonight with a highlight-reel knockout victory at UFC on FOX 21: “Maia vs Condit” in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. VanZant finished “Rowdy” Bec Rawlings with a jumping switch kick early in round two.

VanZant kept her distance and struck with a variety of kicks in the opening round, but Rawlings got the better of the exchanges with power punches and knees. Against her corner’s wishes, VanZant continued to throw flashy kicks in round two including the vicious strike that floored Rawlings for good.

VanZant (7-2-0) rushed right at Rawlings (7-5-0) after the opening bell sounded and she set the tone for the fight by immediately throwing a jumping switch kick. Rawlings kept her composure and answered back with combinations. In a clinch against the cage, VanZant landed knees and Rawlings fired back with uppercuts. She scored with knees and elbows as the round progressed, which forced VanZant to dart in and out with quick punches. She landed a hard one-two and more kicks before the bell, but the round appeared to belong to Rawlings.

In between rounds, VanZant’s cornermen implored her not to throw any more jumping or spinning kicks. She did not heed their wishes, however, and opened round two with another jumping kick. Seconds later, she landed a devastating jumping switch kick to Rawlings’s jaw and Rawlings crashed to the canvas. As Rawlings rolled to her side and struggled to maintain consciousness, VanZant unloaded with hammerfists until the fight was stopped.

Tonight’s victory got VanZant back on track following her disappointing fifth-round submission loss to “Thug” Rose Namajunas in December. Outside of the Octagon, the popular 22-year-old increased her fan base with a second-place finish on Dancing With The Stars, but VanZant remains focused on her fighting career and she battled through a difficult training camp en route to her sensational win.

Winner: Paige VanZant by KO (Jumping Switch Kick & Punches) at 0:17 of round two. She improves to 7-2-0.

(Photo Credit: UFC)