Former UFC star Paige VanZant was cornering her husband Austin Vanderford for his UFC debut and shared a special backstage moment after his dominant win.

Things got a bit ugly post-fight. Veretennikov pushed Paige VanZant ‘s partner, who didn’t back down and responded by making a crude gesture before continuing his post-fight celebrations with a raucous crowd in the Emerald City.

Austin Vanderford made a stellar debut in the UFC, dominating Nikolay Veretennikov with a second-round technical knockout at UFC Fight Night 252 in Seattle. The 34-year-old American, also known as the husband of former UFC star Paige VanZant,

Austin Vanderford made the most of his short notice opportunity with an impressive second round stoppage at UFC Seattle before his opponent Nikolay Veretennikov shoved him afterwards in a fit of anger that could very well end his career with the promotion.

Paige VanZant’s husband Austin Vanderford’s first UFC victory was tarred by a post-fight push following a TKO victory.

Former UFC star Paige VanZant couldn't contain her excitement after husband Austin Vanderford came up big in his long-awaited UFC debut.

Austin Vanderford vs. Nikolay Veretennikov earlier tonight (Sat., Feb. 22, 2025) LIVE on ESPN+ from inside Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington.

The UFC boss was cageside as Austin Vanderford marked his long-awaited UFC debut with a TKO win over Nikolay Veretennikov. His wife Paige VanZant was in the corner as he dominated over two rounds before eventually finishing the fight on the ground.