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Paige VanZant's coronavirus scare after husband tests positive

Pictured here, Paige VanZant and husband Austin Vanderford in a car during their coronavirus scare.
Paige VanZant documented her husband's positive coronavirus test. Screenshot: Youtube

Paige VanZant's tumultuous month has taken another dramatic turn, with the former UFC star suffering a coronavirus scare before her exciting new career endeavour.

The former UFC pin-up shocked fight fans last week after announcing that she will be joining the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), following an injury-hit stint in the Octagon.

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VanZant and her MMA star husband Austin Vanderford have moved to south Florida ahead of the former's BKFC debut, which will likely be in November of December.

However, the 26-year-old's training training preparations were dealt a setback after her husband contracted COVID-19 symptoms, before eventually testing positive for the virus.

The couple filmed the developments for their Youtube channel, with VanZant left in a state of flux by her husband's condition.

"We can't fly home, we're stuck in our hotel room in Florida, we can't train, we can't leave, can't fight," VanZant said to the camera as she and her husband waited in a car to be tested.

Vanderford initially tested positive, but was then declared negative in a follow-up test, leaving VanZant to ask: "What does that mean?"

During the video Vanderford could be seen lounging around the couple’s hotel room, clearly suffering from flu-like symptoms.

He was finally cleared after a third test also came back negative, with the couple describing the experience as "stressful" and "unbelievable".

VanZant became the talk of the MMA world during lockdown with a series of naked photos with her husband.

VanZant moves on after frustrating UFC career

But her popularity and success on social media didn’t translate across to the octagon, after a quick loss to Brazilian flyweight Amanda Ribas at UFC 251’s main card via a first-round armbar submission.

With four losses in her last six fights and her time up with the UFC, the 26-year-old publicly stated her desire for a better contract (even if it meant leaving UFC), prompting a brutal parting shot from boss Dana White.

“When you talk all that stuff, 'I'm not being paid enough,' and fighting inconsistently, one time in the last year, injuries, and then got smoked in the first round of the fight, she should definitely test free agency,” he said after UFC 251.

Some say VanZant could be worth around $3 million because of her burgeoning social media presence but the fighter revealed she earnt just US$46,000 per fight in the UFC, with another $46,000 added if she wins.

The 26-year-old said the reason behind her switch to BKFC wasn't just about the money though.

“I had no idea they’d be such a big player in the game,” VanZant told MMA Fighting.

“Once I heard, talking with my husband, I was like I think I want to sign with them. We were still in that negotiation process, I really hadn’t heard their final offer. It was more than just what I feel like they were offering me financially.

“It was the opportunity I was excited about. I’ve been a fan of their sport and it’s something that I’m really going to be able to show off my striking. If you look at my MMA career, my biggest downfall has been my jiu-jitsu and my striking has been my passion. I’m so excited to show that off.”