What's next for Paige VanZant? Rematch with Elle Brooke and two other options ahead for '12 Gauge'

Paige VanZant's professional boxing debut did not go according to plan. Just hours ago, she crossed swords with influencer boxing sensation Elle Brooke, who was also making her professional debut. Despite their best efforts, neither woman did enough in the judges' eyes to earn a win.

Instead, the bout was ruled a split draw, setting up a potential rematch to add some finality to their rivalry. While nothing is asked of Brooke in terms of her future, as she is young and not a career fighter, the same cannot be said for VanZant.

The former UFC star has struggled with consistency for years, and her search for her first win since Jan. 19, 2019, continues. So, what could be next for '12 Gauge?'

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The outcome of Elle Brooke vs. Paige VanZant and the career implications for the latter

The Elle Brooke vs. Paige VanZant bout ended with a split draw, depriving either woman of a definitive ending. The fight was defined by two tales, with Brooke looking like the more powerful boxer, even dropping the former UFC fighter in round one during a pocket boxing exchange.

Check out the judges' verdict:

While her foe had the knockdown, VanZant dug deep, drawing from her experience, toughness, and tenacity to pressure Brooke. She upped her volume and aggression, outlanding her counterpart. Brooke, though, was game, making it a clash of power vs. pace.

In the end, there was no clear winner and VanZant has still not won a fight in almost five years. So, where does she go from here? '12 Gauge' called for a rematch in her post-fight interview, and Brooke was more than on board with it, describing it as a big-money rematch.

Misfits Boxing responded with immediate interest, and it seems like VanZant will now face Brooke in the latter's backyard in England. VanZant took to Instagram to claim that the rematch is already set for August at the O2 Arena in London.

This was shared by Misfits Boxing on X and seems like an open and shut case. But what of her alternatives? A return to BKFC is possible, as bare-knuckle boxing comes closest to professional boxing more than any other combat sport.

MMA is another option, specifically the PFL, which desperately needs known names, as there is almost no chance of VanZant returning to the UFC. She is 2-4 in her last six MMA fights and hasn't won since Jan. 19, 2019. Given her complaints about the UFC's pay structure, neither party will be in a rush to re-sign.