WATCH – TikTok Star Bryce Hall Goes for a Takedown During Bareknuckle Debut at BKFC 48

TikTok sensation Bryce Hall made his bare-knuckle boxing debut a night to remember, executing an unexpected double-leg takedown in the fight. The action ultimately forced unbeaten veteran Gee Perez to quit at BKFC 48 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Hall, widely recognized for his viral content, traded his smartphone for a pair of bare knuckles, capturing the attention of both fans and skeptics. With the Tingley Coliseum packed to capacity for his co-main event showdown against the 3-0 fighter Gee Perez, the social media superstar embarked on his return journey inside the ring following a break that ensued after a white-collar boxing defeat to YouTuber Austin McBroom in 2021. Hall’s entrance to the ring and his action of paying homage to the controversial Andrew Tate signaled his determination to step into a new arena.

Bryce Hall shot for a takedown

Despite expressing his apprehensions leading up to the fight, Hall swiftly shifted gears as he executed a knockdown in the opening moments. Perez, seemingly struggling to engage with the size disparity, found a temporary reprieve when Hall, in a surprising move, shot for a takedown. The attempt narrowly escaped a point deduction, adding an unexpected grappling element to the spectacle.

As the fight continued, the banter between Hall and Perez intensified. While Hall had boldly predicted a viral knockout in the second round, the round concluded with minimal fireworks, his relentless forward pressure persisting. Perez’s resilience was tainted by a forearm injury likely sustained during the takedown. It led him to withdraw from the match before the third round.

Hall Says “I’m not a boxer”

Amidst the mixed emotions of victory and respect for his opponent, the TikTok sensation playfully referenced his infamous “I’m not a boxer” speech. Hall humorously amended it to assert his newfound identity as a fighter. Hall’s return to the boxing ring is eagerly anticipated, with the prospect of a rematch against Austin McBroom looming.

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Hall, in the post-fight moments, couldn’t help but address the crowd with a knowing grin. “I just have to finalize this speech by saying, ‘I am a fighter, I am a boxer,'” he stated, effortlessly conjuring memories of the widely-shared pre-fight interview he delivered before his bout with McBroom. With a dash of lightheartedness, he playfully added, “I always claimed to be a f***ing fighter!”

While Hall’s journey was undoubtedly a highlight, the event was also headlined by Albuquerque’s own UFC legend John Dodson. He battled Jeremy Riggs for the inaugural BKFC flyweight title, captivating a near-capacity crowd that filled the 11,000-seat venue.

With celebrities entering the fight world, one can’t help but ponder the intriguing paths social media personalities are forging in combat sports. What other unexpected crossovers would you like to witness in the world of combat sports?

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