* This website participates in the Amazon Affiliate Program and earns from qualifying purchases.
Is Claressa Shields the ultimate champion in boxing, or can she conquer the world of MMA too? This question loomed large as the boxing superstar recently made waves with her decision to retire from mixed martial arts (MMA) after a brief but eventful venture in the sport. Let’s dive into Shields’ journey, her experiences in MMA, and what lies ahead for her boxing career.
Claressa Shields, an unparalleled force in the boxing world, holds an impressive record of 16 wins and no losses. She has claimed titles in five different weight classes, making her one of the most decorated female boxers in history. But in 2021, she set her sights on MMA, stepping into a completely new realm of combat sports.
Shields’ foray into MMA started with high ambitions. Fighting under the Professional Fighters League (PFL), she launched her career in the octagon, achieving a respectable record of 2-1. Each fight demanded rigorous training focusing not only on striking but also on grappling, takedown defense, and a host of other skills unique to mixed martial arts.
However, despite her undeniable talent and competitive spirit, Shields publicly expressed the challenges and demands that MMA training imposed on her. "It was fun, but I don’t have enough time to train for it. It takes six to eight months just to get ready to defend takedowns," she reflected on her MMA journey. This stark realization came after breaking her arm twice during her MMA training and fights, leading her to re-evaluate her commitment to the sport.
In her final MMA bout, Shields edged out Kelsey de Santis in a closely contested match, solidifying her decision to step back from the octagon. Shields acknowledged the toll of balancing her MMA career with her boxing commitments, stating, "I did have aspirations of being a PFL MMA world champion, but I just don’t have enough time." This poignant statement underscores the reality of athletes who aspire to excel in multiple disciplines—time and training are not only crucial but can often become overwhelming.
Shields also mentioned that her family had reservations about her MMA venture, wishing for her to focus on boxing instead. Their concerns resonate with many who see the significant risks associated with multi-sport careers. Ultimately, Shields decided to channel her energy and focus back into boxing, where she is already an established champion. Her next challenge awaits against IBF light-heavyweight titleholder Lani Daniels, set for July 26, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan. This fight promises to be an exciting showcase of her boxing prowess as she defends her titles and perfect record.
In conclusion, while Claressa Shields' MMA chapter may be over, her legacy in boxing continues to shine brightly. Her achievements in the squared circle have already secured her place among the greatest, and the lessons learned from her brief MMA experience will undoubtedly enrich her boxing career. Claressa's story illustrates the dedication and sacrifices athletes make in pursuit of greatness and serves as an inspiration for aspiring fighters across all combat sports.
As fans of boxing and MMA, we will be eagerly watching as Shields returns to the ring, ready to prove once again why she is considered one of the greatest athletes of all time.
* This website participates in the Amazon Affiliate Program and earns from qualifying purchases.