Paige VanZant's Debut: A Rude Awakening or a Test of Toughness?
Paige VanZant, a UFC veteran with experience in bare-knuckle fights, recently made her pro-boxing debut at the Misfits Boxing: X Series 15.
Her opponent, Elle Brooke, is known for her presence on OnlyFans and TikTok. The bout ended in a split decision draw, leaving many surprised by the outcome.
VanZant, also known as '12 Gauge', displayed her toughness and experience by taking the fight the whole distance. However, the final result against an opponent who, in her own words, didn't know "what a jab was two years ago,"
may not have been what many expected from a seasoned fighter with 13 mixed martial arts fights under her belt. This unexpected outcome could provide ammunition to some of her detractors.
One such detractor is Dillon Danis, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and professional boxer.
Danis recently took to social media to comment on VanZant's performance, highlighting the footage of Brooke knocking down VanZant as evidence of her defeat.
This public jab at VanZant may be fueled by an ongoing online spat between Danis and VanZant.
Danis himself made his professional boxing debut last October in a highly anticipated bout against Logan Paul. However, the match ended in a bizarre disqualification for Danis. Despite this, Danis seems eager to take a dig at VanZant's performance, perhaps as a result of their online feud.
In a recent tweet, Danis wrote, "‘Real fighter’ dropped by a p*rn star," accompanied by a ten-second clip of Brooke's punch connecting with VanZant's face, causing her to take a knee and face the referee's count.
While VanZant ultimately got back up and continued the fight, the footage has sparked a response from fans and critics alike.
Some fans have come to VanZant's defense, pointing out that she performed better than Danis did in his bout against Logan Paul. Others have highlighted the irony of Danis being startled by a YouTuber-turned-boxer-turned-pro wrestler during his own match last year.
The exchange between Danis and VanZant has ignited a virtual war of words, with both fighters using social media to take jabs at each other's performances. It remains to be seen whether this online feud will spill over into the boxing ring or if it will remain confined to the realm of social media.
As for VanZant, the draw against Brooke may not have been the debut she had hoped for, but it certainly showcased her resilience and determination. Whether she chooses to respond to Danis's comments or focus on her boxing career moving forward, one thing is clear: she is not one to back down from a challenge.
In the world of combat sports, rivalries and conflicts are not uncommon. Whether it's in the octagon, the ring, or on social media, fighters often use their platforms to assert their dominance and challenge their opponents.
The clash between VanZant and Danis serves as yet another example of the competitive nature of professional fighting.
While the outcome of VanZant's debut may have raised eyebrows, it has also sparked a conversation about the challenges and obstacles faced by fighters as they navigate new territories. As both VanZant and Danis continue to carve out their paths in the world of boxing, one thing is certain: their rivalry is far from over.
