Paige VanZant dropped in round one by Tik Tok star Elle Brooke as boxing debut ends in controversial draw (2024)

Paige VanZant will have to run back her boxing debut after she escaped with a controversial draw in Texas last night.

The former UFC star took on Tik Tok sensation Elle Brooke at the NRG Arena in Houston last night in her first fight since a second losing effort in 2021. And while there were many who felt her rival could do the job, it was a stunning scene to witness as she was forced to pick herself off the canvas in the first round.

VanZant ultimately battled back and was impressive with her movement and shot selection in the following four rounds, and managed to salvage a result as the final result was read. But she will need to improve in order to earn a decisive victory when the pair have the return down the line.

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Paige VanZant floored in the first as she struggles through boxing debut

During her three years away from competition, VanZant focused her attentions on switching from a bare knuckle boxer with an MMA background into a full professional boxer. But she was thwarted early by the impressive technical skills of two-year novice Brooke who showed off her impressive power.

The social media influencer had bragged throughout the buildup that she would send her rival back to the cage with a stunning performance. And she looked to be on her way to doing just that as she floored her opponent within the opening stanza.

A clean right hand saw VanZant sent to the canvas, adding her to a three-person list of women whom Brooke has put down in her six-fight career. From there on, however, she composed herself and managed to get back to the basics and landed at will during a thrilling contest.

Promoter Mams Taylor on commentary appeared gobsmacked by what he was seeing as he declared the duo had been “absolutely phenomenal”.

Paige VanZant admits she didn’t do enough to win boxing debut

In the immediate aftermath of the split decision draw scorecard being read out, VanZant was asked on the DAZN broadcast if she felt she had done enough to win. And she maintained the humility she has shown all week as she replied: “No, honestly.”

“I said it would be a tough fight,” she continued. “All camp I said I knew how tough she was, I took the fight for a reason, I was excited and I’d watched her past fights so I knew she was tough.”

And the former UFC star even teased a location for a second bout between the pair as she declared they would be heading to the Middle East for another run at the historic bout. Their fight was the first women’s event to headline for Misfits Boxing after 15 shows, and delivered on a night of decisions.

“It is what it is, it sets up a perfect rematch,” VanZant continued. “I signed a multi-fight contract for a reason so it looks like we’re going to do it one more time in Dubai it sounds like.”

Elle Brooke declares draw is ‘perfect’ to set up ‘big money rematch’

For her part, Brooke was happy with the result, noting that now the pair would be paid even more than their expected six-figure purses for a second fight. “It’s one of those things you have to rewatch it because in there you’re getting hit but you’re also hitting,” she said.

“I don’t think I’m experienced enough to think ‘yeah I’m 100 per cent winning this. But because of the knockdown I could see me winning. So I have to watch it back.

“But I was just saying to Paige ‘man, we get a big money rematch, this is perfect’… I think I started strong but one of Paige VanZant’s best assets is that she doesn’t let a bad round effect the next one. So I think if anything she got stronger towards the end of the fight whereas I probably dipped off.”

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