Paige VanZant (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Paige VanZant currently isn’t a top five ranked strawweight, but the rising star believes a win over Rose Namajunas at UFC Fight Night 80, will thrust her into the title shot mix.

The strawweights are scheduled to battle on December 10th, in what will be VanZant’s fourth fight with the promotion. Currently “12 Gauge” is ranked #7, and Namajunas is positioned at #3.

During a recent media call to promote the upcoming card, VanZant was asked about the title shot implications of the match-up. The 21 year-old relayed (quote via UFC.com):

“Obviously if I beat someone ranked No. 3 there aren’t many people to get to the champ,” VanZant said.

Currently former champ Carla Esparza is ranked #2, and Claudia Gadelha is sitting in the #1 contender spot.