Paige VanZant vs. Rachael Ostovich in the works for UFC’s ESPN debut

PVZ on ESPN?

A bout between Paige VanZant and Rachael Ostovich is in the works for the UFC’s debut show on ESPN, sources told MMA Fighting on Sunday. The event will take place Jan. 18 on big ESPN, though the location has yet to be determined, per sources. Both sides have agreed to the bout, sources said, but the UFC has yet to make it — or the event — official.

VanZant (7-4) is coming off two straight losses, most recently a unanimous decision defeat against Jessica-Rose Clark at UFC St. Louis back in January. The popular Dancing With The Stars veteran broke her arm in that fight and has been struggling with complications from that injury all year. VanZant, 24, made the move up to flyweight to fight Clark and has said she’ll be much more effective and healthy in that weight class. PVZ, who trains out of Gracie Barra in Oregon, remains one of the most popular women on the UFC roster.

Ostovich (4-4) fought at The Ultimate Fighter 27 Finale, falling by third-round submission to Montana De La Rosa. The Hawaii native is a veteran of The Ultimate Fighter 26 and has built a substantial fan following, going back to her time in Invicta FC. Ostovich, 27, won her UFC debut in December with a first-round submission victory over Karine Gevorgyan.

No fights or any other information has been released about the ESPN debut event yet by the UFC. The UFC’s broadcast deal with ESPN and ESPN+ begins in January after the promotion spent seven years with FOX Sports.