Competing on short notice, “12 Gauge” Paige VanZant posted her second professional victory of the year tonight at Premier Fight Series 2 in Fort Worth, Texas. VanZant defeated local favourite Amber “The Apex Predator” Stautzenberger by Unanimous Decision in an action-packed bout.

VanZant was forced to play defence in the first round after Stautzenberger started strong with takedowns and ground and pound, but rounds two and three belonged to VanZant. The 18-year-old employed effective strikes in the clinch and on the ground to seal the close but well-earned decision win.

VanZant (2-0-0) found herself on the mat early on after Stautzenberger (0-1-0) closed the distance and scored a takedown. VanZant remained calm on the bottom and secured an armbar that appeared to have Stautzenberger in some trouble. Stautzenberger freed herself and stood up and the fighters traded knees in the clinch. Stautzenberger took VanZant back down with a judo throw and landed elbows from side control. She closed out the round with more punches from the top.

Round two also began well for Stautzenberger, who dropped VanZant with a left hook mere seconds in. VanZant quickly returned to her feet and more knees were exchanged. VanZant was able to bloody her opponent’s nose with short punches and knees and scored a partial takedown against the cage. Right hands landed for VanZant as Stautzenberger returned to her feet and the round ended in a clinch.

With the fight up for grabs heading into round three, both fighters were aggressive with right hooks in the opening seconds. VanZant landed more short punches and reversed a takedown. She landed in mount and flurried with punches before trying for a guillotine choke in a scramble. Stautzenberger was able to get back to her feet, but VanZant’s ground and pound and submission attempts were enough to take the round and the fight on the scorecards.

VanZant has now won back-to-back fights against more experienced opponents since turning pro in June. She made a successful pro debut by defeating Jordan Nicole Gaza on June 30th in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Winner: Paige VanZant by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) after three 3:00 rounds. She improves to 2-0-0.