Ex-UFC star Paige VanZant shows she is keeping in shape ahead of Bare Knuckle Boxing bow in her latest sexy selfie

EX-UFC star Paige VanZant is in excellent shape ahead of her Bare Knuckle Boxing debut.

And the American shared a progress selfie with her 2.7million Instagram followers.

VanZant posed in her gym gear for a mirror selfie displaying her defined abs.

The 26-year-old simply captioned the post with a lizard emoji.

And the post was liked by more than 83,000 people.

VanZant joined Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship after her UFC contract expired.

And the deal also included a WWE clause.

Boxing trainer Gabriel de Oliveira has the task of moulding VanZant into a fully-fledged puncher.

And he said: “We’ll have more time to work with Paige, because she will only fight in November or early next year. 

“We don’t have the date set yet – but we’ve already seen how she moves. She’s not totally raw. 

“We’ll have to work, add some concepts and change a few concepts she’s carrying over, but I think it’s going to be a smooth transition.

“The most important is that she’s willing to do it. 

“One cool thing about her is that we say something and she does it, she wants to learn, she’s thirsty for knowledge.”

After announcing the shock switch, VanZant – who has modelled for Sports Illustrated – insisted she does not fear suffering a nasty gash at the hands of an exposed fist. 

She said:  “I understand people think I’m cute but I’m a fighter and an athlete first and foremost. 

“A cut on your face always heals. I’ve been cut open before and people still think I’m pretty, and it hasn’t hurt my career yet.

“I feel like at this point, I’ll be paid well enough I can have plastic surgery.”

Earlier this summer, VanZant gave her fans a glimpse inside her luxury lifestyle with glamorous bikini shots from her swanky holiday.