Claressa Shields’ MMA Journey: Boxing Queen Takes on the Ultimate Fighting Challenge
When Claressa Shields announced her move to MMA, the combat sports world collectively raised an eyebrow. The undisputed boxing champion, Olympic gold medalist, and self-proclaimed GWOAT (Greatest Woman of All Time) was stepping into a cage? This wasn’t just news—it was a seismic shift in combat sports.
I’ve been covering fight sports for years, and let me tell you—transitions like this don’t happen every day, especially not with athletes of Shields’ caliber.
From Boxing Glory to the PFL Cage
At 30 years old, Claressa Shields has already cemented a boxing legacy most fighters could only dream of. Two Olympic gold medals. Multiple world championships across three weight classes. An almost perfect professional record.
But apparently, that wasn’t enough of a challenge.
In 2020, Shields made the jaw-dropping announcement that she’d signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), sending shockwaves through both the boxing and MMA communities.
“I want to test myself,” Shields told media at her signing. “I’ve conquered everything in boxing. MMA is a new frontier.”
And what a frontier it’s been.
The Brutal Reality of Transition
Look, let’s be real here—switching from boxing to MMA isn’t like switching from basketball to volleyball. It’s more like going from checkers to three-dimensional chess while someone tries to choke you.
Shields’ first PFL fight against Brittney Elkin in June 2021 showed both her vulnerabilities and her heart. After spending most of the fight on her back (a position no boxer trains for), Shields rallied in the third round to secure a TKO victory that had fans on their feet.
Her second bout against Abigail Montes didn’t go as planned, resulting in her first professional loss in any combat sport. The split decision defeat highlighted the steep learning curve even the most elite boxers face when transitioning to MMA.
| Claressa Shields MMA Record | Opponent | Result | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 2021 | Brittney Elkin | Win | TKO (Round 3) |
| October 2021 | Abigail Montes | Loss | Split Decision |
| November 2023 | Kelsey DeSantis | Win | Unanimous Decision |
The Double-Sport Hustle
What makes Shields’ journey even more remarkable is that she hasn’t abandoned boxing. While most athletes would focus exclusively on learning the complex skillset of a new sport, Shields has continued to dominate the boxing world simultaneously.
Since starting her MMA career, she’s defended her boxing titles multiple times, maintaining her status as one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in women’s boxing. The woman is literally conquering two sports at once.
You think your work schedule is tough? Try splitting your training between striking, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and boxing championship camps.
What Other Fighters Are Saying
Shields’ bold move has earned her respect across the combat sports landscape.
UFC champion Amanda Nunes praised her courage: “What she’s doing takes incredible guts. Most boxers would never risk their reputation like this.”
Even MMA legend Jon Jones weighed in: “The difference between boxing and MMA is massive. For her to even attempt this transition shows how much of a true competitor she is.”
The Bigger Picture: What Shields’ Journey Means for Combat Sports
Shields isn’t just fighting for herself—she’s potentially creating a new path for boxers interested in testing their skills in a different arena. Her successes and struggles provide a blueprint for what works and what doesn’t in this rare crossover.
But more importantly, she’s breaking down barriers in both sports. Women’s boxing has historically struggled for mainstream recognition despite producing incredible talents. MMA, while more progressive in promoting women’s divisions, still battles visibility issues.
Shields brings eyeballs to both sports, forcing promoters to recognize the drawing power of women’s combat sports.
What’s Next for the GWOAT?
Sources close to the PFL indicate Shields will continue her MMA development with another fight scheduled for early 2024. Meanwhile, she’s expected to defend her boxing titles at least once before year’s end.
The million-dollar question remains: how far can she go in MMA? Can she eventually compete for a PFL championship? Or will the learning curve prove too steep even for an athlete of her caliber?
I think what makes this story so compelling is that we genuinely don’t know the answer. We’re watching an elite athlete test her limits in real time, with all the triumphs and setbacks that entails.
And isn’t that what makes sports so captivating in the first place?
What Are Your Thoughts?
Do you think more boxers should follow Shields’ path into MMA? Could an MMA fighter successfully transition to boxing at the highest level? Drop your opinions in the comments—I’d love to hear what you think about this fascinating crossover journey.
Until next time, keep those hands up and chins down!