Paige VanZant made her boxing debut against Elle Brooke in a highly anticipated match that took place at Misfitz 15 on Saturday night in 2020.
The former UFC star was eager to prove herself in the boxing ring after leaving the Octagon in search of new opportunities and bigger paydays.
VanZant, who had not tasted victory in any sport since 2019, was considered a heavy favorite going into the bout against Elle Brooke, who is known for her career as an adult film star turned boxer.
However, the fight did not go as expected for VanZant as she faced a tough challenge from her opponent.
From the start of the match, VanZant looked like the more accomplished fighter as she utilized lots of movement and strategy, while her opponent, Brooke, plotted forward in hopes of landing a big shot.
However, towards the end of round one, VanZant made a critical mistake by holding her feet and was made to pay for it as Brooke tagged her with a vicious right hook, scoring a shocking knockdown.
Despite the setback, VanZant quickly bounced back to her feet and got back to her original game plan, showcasing her resilience and determination.
As the fight progressed, both fighters exchanged big shots, with VanZant pouring on volume and Brooke sitting on bigger shots.
The intensity of the match continued to build, with both women upping their output and exchanging blows in a thrilling display of skill and determination.
In the final round, VanZant needed to win it to salvage a draw, while Brooke was trying to take the lead. Both women continued to exchange big shots, with Brooke dropping VanZant on home turf but unable to secure the finish.
The match concluded with a majority draw, with one official giving it to Brooke, another to VanZant, and the third declaring it a draw.
Despite the outcome, both fighters showed incredible skill and determination in the ring, leaving fans eager for a rematch.
In fact, VanZant has since posted a statement suggesting that she is open to fighting Brooke again in London later this year, setting the stage for an exciting rematch between the two talented fighters.
VanZant's foray into boxing comes after her decision to leave the UFC in pursuit of new opportunities.
After signing a three-fight $1.2 million deal with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, VanZant had two bare-knuckle bouts but had not fought since suffering a loss to Rachel Ostovich in July 2021.
Despite her absence from the ring, VanZant has been making waves outside of combat sports, particularly through her ventures into exclusive content creation on platforms like OnlyFans.
In 2022, both VanZant and Brooke began selling exclusive content on OnlyFans, with VanZant reportedly making more money in one day than she did in all nine of her UFC fights combined.
This shift towards alternative revenue streams highlights the changing landscape of professional athletes' income generation and demonstrates the potential for athletes to capitalize on their personal brand and fanbase through digital platforms.
As VanZant continues to explore new opportunities and challenges outside of traditional combat sports, her journey serves as a testament to the evolving nature of athletic careers and the potential for athletes to carve out unique paths beyond their initial disciplines.
With her return to the boxing ring and the prospect of a rematch with Elle Brooke on the horizon, fans can look forward to witnessing VanZant's continued evolution as a fighter and competitor.
The majority draw against Elle Brooke may not have been the outcome that VanZant had hoped for, but it has set the stage for an exciting rematch that will undoubtedly capture the attention of fight fans around the world.
As both fighters prepare to step back into the ring, they will have an opportunity to showcase their skills once again and settle the score in what promises to be another thrilling encounter between two formidable competitors.
In the world of combat sports, unpredictability is part of what makes each match so compelling.
The draw between Paige VanZant and Elle Brooke serves as a reminder that anything can happen in the ring, and that resilience and determination are essential qualities for any fighter.
As VanZant looks ahead to her next challenge in the boxing ring, she will carry with her the lessons learned from her bout against Brooke and continue to pursue her passion for competition and excellence.
The prospect of a rematch between Paige VanZant and Elle Brooke has generated significant excitement within the combat sports community, as fans eagerly anticipate the opportunity to see these two talented fighters face off once again.
With both athletes hungry for victory and eager to prove themselves in the ring, the rematch promises to be a thrilling spectacle that will showcase the skill, determination, and heart of both competitors.
As Paige VanZant continues to make her mark in the world of combat sports, her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and fans alike.
With her resilience, determination, and willingness to embrace new challenges, VanZant exemplifies the spirit of a true competitor who is unafraid to push boundaries and pursue excellence in all aspects of her career.
Whether inside the Octagon or the boxing ring, VanZant's dedication to her craft and her unwavering commitment to success make her a force to be reckoned with in the world of combat sports.