In what was a quiet evening for mainstream combat sports, the main talking points emerged from a rather unexpected source. Thanks to the rapid growth of influencer boxing, the fans were once again in for a treat as a renowned name like Paige VanZant made her debut on the scene. That said, it nearly ended in a very embarrassing way for the tenured fighter.
For those unaware, Paige VanZant is a former UFC athlete who made her way into the promotion as one of the first 11 fighters announced in the strawweight division. Also appearing on The Ultimate Fighter in 2013, Paige took to the sport at a very early age and was only 20 when she was called up to the UFC. After a brief stint in regional promotions, VanZant made the leap up to the big leagues.
Eventually, Paige VanZant would call time on her UFC career after going 8-5 across two divisions. Thereafter, she would sign a reported $1 million, four-fight deal with the BKFC in 2020 only to go 0-2, before trying her hand at All Elite Wrestling. Following her last appearance in 2022, VanZant turned to OnlyFans and became known for her content on the platform. That said, she has since dabbled back in the world of combat sports with influencer boxing.
Paige VanZant nearly suffered a KO loss at MF & DAZN X Series 15
In April it was revealed that Paige VanZant would be making her debut in the world of influencer boxing. As such, she was quick to sign under the Misifts Boxing label, agreeing to fight one of the promotion’s top names, Elle Brooke in a bout for the MFB women’s middleweight championship. As it turns out the bout was the first of a multi-fight deal.
For the most part, many would expect Paige VanZant to be the clear and obvious favorite for this one. Despite Brooke’s success in the influencer boxing scene, one would assume that there is a stark difference in the level of opponents the two women have faced. That said, things got scary for VanZant pretty early on as she found herself on the canvas after an early knockdown in Round 1.
𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 🥊💥
Brought to you by @OnlyFans #XSeries15 | @MisfitsBoxing | May 25 pic.twitter.com/WGhHGbQqlq
— MF & DAZN X Series (@MF_DAZNXSeries) May 26, 2024
Thankfully, ’12 Gauge’ managed to rally back and chip away at her opponent. Whilst VanZant was consistent with her strikes and pressure, it was her English opponent who managed to land the more damaging shots. Ultimately, Paige VanZant’s blushes were spared after the fight was ruled a split draw, with the judges scoring the contest 48-46, 46-48, 47-47. Despite it not being a good look for the former UFC woman, it has seemingly become a trend at this point.
What do we know about Elle Brooke, the influencer who dropped Paige VanZant?
For those unaware, Elle Brooke is an internet personality who has transitioned to influencer boxing in recent times. Prior to her newfound calling, the podcaster and influencer boxer was an adult film star and OnlyFans model. Since her debut in the sport in 2022, the 26-year-old England native has fought across numerous promotions before settling on Misfits Boxing.
Currently, Elle Brooke‘s boxing record sits at 4-1-1, with two of her four wins coming by way of stoppages. Thus, whilst she may not come from the same combat sports background as Paige VanZant, she has certainly been through the wringer enough to hold her own. That said, some believe that it was possibly her inexperience with managing a fight that shifted things in VanZant’s favor, just enough to warrant a draw.
All things considered, Paige VanZant made her thoughts about a rematch known, immediately after the fight:
Would you watch a #BrookeVanZant rematch? 🙌#XSeries15 | @MisfitsBoxing pic.twitter.com/rdE2kCHI1i
— MF & DAZN X Series (@MF_DAZNXSeries) May 26, 2024
“Honestly I said it would be a tough fight the whole camp.. I knew how tough she was. I took the fight for a reason. I was excited. I watched her past fights. I knew it’d be tough. It is what it is. It sets up the perfect rematch. I signed a multi-fight contract for a reason. It looks like we’re going to do it one more time, I think in Dubai it sounds like.”
Shortly after the conclusion of the event, both Elle Brooke and Paige VanZant soon teased that their rematch is potentially set for August at the O2 Arena, hinting at a potential mega event like last year’s MF & DAZN X Series 10 which featured the likes of KSI, Tommy Fury, Logan Paul and Dillon Danis.