VanZant new favorite to win 'Dancing with the Stars'
The secret is out: UFC strawweight Paige VanZant can dance, and she's become the safest bet to win the upcoming season of "Dancing with the Stars."
Initially opening as a 10-1 underdog, according to Bovada, the 21-year-old has vaulted to the front of the pack to become the group favorite at 2-1 odds.
The original assessment of the field was somewhat surprising given VanZant's youth and athleticism, especially in comparison to some of the older celebrities in front of her, including "Facts of Life" actress Kim Fields (46 years old), reporter Geraldo Rivera (72), and Boyz II Men singer Wanya Morris (42). Morris was the odds-on favorite to win before VanZant's jump.
It's likely a flood of action came in on VanZant when the betting public became aware of her extensive dance experience, which was put on hold when she decided to become a professional mixed martial artist.
VanZant also has a strong partner in Mark Ballas, a seven-time DWTS finalist and two-time winner of the mirror ball trophy.
In anticipation of the season 22 premier on March 21, VanZant posted a preview of her moves on Twitter:
#DWTS ❤️ almost time!! pic.twitter.com/eSlslmo4PB
— Paige VanZant (@PaigeVanzantUFC) March 16, 2016
- With h/t to MMAjunkie