5 Breathtaking Photos Displaying Paige VanZant’s Beauty and Strength in Mexico

Paige VanZant was photographed by Walter Chin in Puerto Vallarta.Walter Chin/Sports Illustrated

Professional athlete Paige VanZant is well known for her time and experience in the UFC ring. But on top of her expert boxing and mixed martial arts skills, the 29-year-old is a model and one of our very own SI Swimsuit stars. 

In 2019, VanZant traveled to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for her brand feature, posing for a series of powerful and glamorous photos with photographer Walter Chin. In terms of modeling, the athlete wouldn’t just say yes to any gig—each one had to be worth it in her eyes, especially those that were out of her comfort zone. And while working with SI Swim wasn’t a completely comfortable experience, it was well worth it for the fighter.

“I was always holding out on doing anything where I was putting myself out there [because] it has to be worth it,” she said on set. “Sports Illustrated is the one that makes it worth it.”

Though it may have been a bit out of the ordinary for the Oregon native, she was excited by the opportunity to contribute to SI Swim’s mission: “show[ing] how beautiful women can be and how strong and gorgeous,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to show that side, especially being a professional fighter. People don’t get to see that very often.”

VanZant also expressed how difficult it can be to keep your confidence high, given social media and the prevalence of particular kinds of bodies in the modeling industry. In that regard, the martial artist noted that SI Swim really is making a difference.

“Having such a notable magazine represent all body shapes ... is really enlightening,” she said. "It makes me remember I am a professional athlete, my body is going to look different from a model’s, and it is still beautiful.”

VanZant certainly looked beautiful on set in Mexico. Below are five fabulous photos of the fighter from her 2019 SI Swim photoshoot. 

Walter Chin/Sports Illustrated

Paige VanZant was photographed by Walter Chin in Puerto Vallarta. Swimsuit by Cali Dreaming.

Walter Chin/Sports Illustrated

Paige VanZant was photographed by Walter Chin in Puerto Vallarta. Swimsuit by Haus of PinkLemonaid.

Walter Chin/Sports Illustrated

Paige VanZant was photographed by Walter Chin in Puerto Vallarta. Swimsuit by TeenyB Bikini Couture.

Walter Chin/Sports Illustrated

Paige VanZant was photographed by Walter Chin in Puerto Vallarta. Swimsuit by Cali Dreaming.

Walter Chin/Sports Illustrated

Paige VanZant was photographed by Walter Chin in Puerto Vallarta. Swimsuit by MAKARI.

Make sure to follow SI Swimsuit on YouTube!