‘Watch the f*ck out!’ Gonzalez shows off swollen hands after battering rival on bare-knuckle debut as VanZant and Ostovich look on
Former UFC fighter Pearl Gonzalez showcased her combat sports versatility by earning a dominant win on her bare-knuckle debut, with fellow crossover talents Paige VanZant and Rachael Ostovich watching on from ringside.
Gonzalez routed opponent Charisa ‘Sweetheart’ Sigala to score a unanimous decision victory at BKFC 18 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Florida on Saturday night, making a winning start on her bow in the brutal world of gloves-off combat.
Gonzalez maintained control throughout the contest, controlling the range and landing frequently with snappy combinations.
The performance was good enough for ‘The Chi-Town Princess’ to pick up a clean sweep 50-45 across the scorecards, with Sigala sporting a hematoma and some nasty swelling around her left eye at the conclusion of the contest.
.@PearlGonzalez is successful in her #BKFC debut by winning a unanimous decision at #BKFC18.
— FITE (@FiteTV) June 27, 2021
Order now: https://t.co/ZHjUl2Df79 pic.twitter.com/ba7QRvGc1s
For Sigala, 37, it was another disappointing night as she lost a second fight since making her BKFC debut in February.
In contrast, Gonzalez signaled in her post-fight interview that she was only just warming up as she plans an assault on the BKFC ranks.
“I’m not a brawler, I’m a mixed martial artist,” the 34-year-old said.
“I’m learning to be a boxer and I’m gonna come in here and show technique and skill, and every f*cking day, I’m getting better. Watch the f*ck out!”
Indeed, photos later indicated that most of the damage for Gonzalez appeared to be to her hands after frequently finding a home for her shots throughout the night.
Pearl Gonzalez makes her BKFC Debut! pic.twitter.com/rY9ifCHcr4
— Bare Knuckle FC (@bareknucklefc) June 27, 2021
In the airport heading home. Here’s what my sis @PearlGonzalez’s hands look like after smashing them in her opponent’s face last night. Sis never got hit ???? pic.twitter.com/SE4LqUq1aL
— Amanda Serrano ???????? (@Serranosisters) June 27, 2021
Social media favorite Gonzalez – who owns a 10-5 MMA record – had whetted fans' appetites for the bout with her weigh-in appearance on Friday.
Sporting a pale-blue bikini set off with pearls, the dark-haired star promised to "leave everything in the ring" and made good on that vow with a strong debut showing.
Gonzalez is just one of several eye-catching new additions to the BKFC ranks in recent months.
Two women watching the action ringside on Saturday night were VanZant and Ostovich, both fellow crossovers from the world of MMA.
The pair will do battle themselves at BKFC 19 on July 23, and both shared their delight at being in attendance as Gonzalez joined their ranks.
After impressing on her debut, Gonzalez will eye bigger and better things with BKFC as the promotion continues its efforts to push itself into the mainstream of combat sports.