Paige VanZant leaves Kickboxer reboot, gets replaced by... Roy Nelson?

I’m sure it’s not just a 1-for-1 role substitution, but while Jean-Claude Van Damme’s upcoming Kickboxer remake appears to have lost one UFC talent, it’s gained another. While Paige VanZant appears to have had plenty of time for Dancing With the Stars recently, it seems she’s taking a break from the non-fight activities.

Just back in May VanZant agreed to take on a role in JCVD’s Kickboxer: Retaliation. But, with a fight with Bec Rawlings around the corner at UFC on Fox 21, it seems she’s decided to abandon the film project. Never fear, TMZ reports that they’ve already found her replacement: Roy Nelson.

The heavyweight fighter was apparently slated for a small role in the film, but seems to have made such an impact with his performance that he’s been expanded into a bigger part. Apparently, Nelson will be playing a prisoner getting ready for a “death match.”

Whether or not said match will include a TUF contract or a fight with Junior Dos Santos remains to be seen.

Nelson last set foot in the cage against Derrick lews at UFC Vegas: Dos Anjos vs. Alvarez back on July 7th. He dropped a somewhat contested split decision to the “Black Beast.” No word yet as to when fans might expect him back in the Octagon.