Breaking: Claressa Shields Calls it Quits on MMA Career
The combat sports world was rocked today as Claressa Shields, one of boxing’s most decorated champions, has reportedly ended her brief but significant mixed martial arts journey. The undefeated five-division boxing world champion has decided to step away from the cage after testing the waters in what many considered one of the boldest cross-sport transitions in recent memory.
The GWOAT Returns to Her Roots
Shields, often self-proclaimed as the “Greatest Woman of All Time” (GWOAT) in boxing, made waves when she announced her intention to compete in MMA back in 2020. The Flint, Michigan native brought her world-class striking and Olympic gold medal pedigree to the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where she compiled a 1-1 record during her crossover experiment.
The boxing champion’s decision seems to reflect the immense challenge of mastering two combat sports simultaneously at the highest level—something few athletes have successfully accomplished.
A Brief But Impactful MMA Run
Shields’ MMA debut showed her incredible heart and determination when she battled back from early adversity to defeat Brittney Elkin by third-round TKO in June 2021. Her comeback victory demonstrated the championship mentality that had already made her a legend in boxing.
However, her second outing resulted in a split decision loss to Abigail Montes in October 2021, highlighting the steep learning curve faced by even the most elite athletes when transitioning to a completely different combat sport.
I’ve followed Shields’ career closely, and what impressed me most was her willingness to start from scratch in a sport where she’d be at a significant disadvantage in the grappling department. Few champions with her level of boxing success would risk their reputation by stepping into unfamiliar territory.
Why MMA Crossovers Are So Difficult
The challenge of transitioning between boxing and MMA can’t be overstated. While some skills transfer, the sports require fundamentally different approaches:
| Skill Area | Boxing Requirements | MMA Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Striking | Hands only, refined punching techniques | Punches, kicks, knees, elbows |
| Defense | Head movement, blocking, footwork | Takedown defense, submission awareness |
| Stance | Narrow, upright, bladed | Wide, lower center of gravity |
| Ground Game | None | Wrestling, jiu-jitsu, positional awareness |
What’s Next for Shields?
With her MMA experiment apparently concluded, Shields is expected to focus exclusively on boxing, where she remains undefeated with multiple world titles across five weight classes. Her legacy in boxing is already secure, with two Olympic gold medals and professional championships from super welterweight down to middleweight.
The timing of this announcement is particularly interesting as it comes when other boxers like Katie Taylor have found crossover success, and as the PFL continues to sign high-profile female fighters.
The Legacy of Shields’ MMA Journey
Despite its brevity, Shields’ venture into MMA should be viewed as courageous rather than unsuccessful. By stepping outside her comfort zone, she inspired conversation about the different skill sets required in each sport and brought new eyes to both boxing and MMA.
Her willingness to risk her perfect record and reputation demonstrated the mindset that made her a champion in the first place. Few athletes at her level would dare to be a beginner again, especially with the world watching.
You don’t become great by avoiding challenges—you become great by facing them head-on, regardless of the outcome. That’s exactly what Claressa Shields did with her MMA career.
Will Other Boxers Follow Suit?
Shields’ exit from MMA raises questions about whether other elite boxers will attempt similar crossovers. While her experience highlights the difficulties, it also provides a blueprint for what works and what doesn’t when transitioning between combat sports.
The door between boxing and MMA remains open, but Shields’ journey reminds us that walking through it requires extraordinary dedication, humility, and athletic ability.
What Did You Think of Shields’ MMA Career?
Was Claressa Shields’ MMA experiment a success or a failure? How will it impact her boxing legacy? Would you like to see her return to MMA in the future? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear your perspective on one of the most interesting combat sports crossovers in recent memory.
Source: The Mac Life