Former UFC Fighter Paige VanZant Calls 911 After Stalking Incident in Parkland

A 21-year-old Parkland man was arrested and released on bond for stalking and cyberstalking the MMA star.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:53pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken smartphone screen reflecting a faint, ghostly image of a person's face, shot with a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the threat of stalking and the violation of privacy.A broken smartphone screen reflects the haunting image of a stalker, highlighting the persistent threat of unwanted attention that public figures face.Parkland Today

Paige VanZant, a former UFC fighter, called 911 after a 21-year-old Parkland man allegedly followed her for about an hour between two local parks. The man, Giancarlo Galliani, was arrested and charged with stalking and cyberstalking, but was later released on a $5,000 bond.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the persistent safety issues and unwanted attention that public figures like VanZant can face, even in their everyday lives. Stalking and cyberstalking are serious crimes that can cause substantial emotional distress for victims.

The details

According to the Broward Sheriff's Office arrest report, Galliani followed VanZant from Davis Foreman Wilderness Preserve to Terramar Park, shadowing her for about an hour before waiting in a parking lot and shouting her name. He then allegedly yelled, "Sit on my face!" VanZant told deputies the encounter left her frightened. Galliani later admitted to following her multiple times, and investigators concluded his actions served "no legitimate purpose" and gave her reason for alarm.

  • On April 6, Galliani allegedly followed VanZant between two Parkland parks for about an hour.
  • Galliani was arrested on April 6 and charged with stalking and cyberstalking.
  • Galliani was later released on a $5,000 bond.

The players

Paige VanZant

A former UFC fighter who is married to Bellator middleweight Austin Vanderford.

Giancarlo Galliani

A 21-year-old Parkland man who was arrested and charged with stalking and cyberstalking VanZant.

Broward Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that arrested Galliani and is investigating the incident.

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What they’re saying

“Sit on my face!”

— Giancarlo Galliani

“VanZant told deputies the encounter left her frightened.”

— Paige VanZant

What’s next

The case is expected to move through the local court system, and upcoming hearings or filings should appear in public records.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the persistent safety issues and unwanted attention that public figures can face, even in their everyday lives. Stalking and cyberstalking are serious crimes that can cause substantial emotional distress for victims, and more needs to be done to protect individuals from this type of harassment.