MMA

Undisputed boxing champion calls time on MMA career

DAZN

20, May 25

Watch Shields vs Daniels live July 26 on DAZN

Undisputed women's heavyweight champion Claressa Shields has called time on her MMA career.

Shields has been a trailblazer in boxing, winning world titles in five weight classes and enjoying undisputed title reigns at light middleweight and middleweight.

It's not just inside the ring where Shields has looked to develop her career, she also stepped into the world of MMA with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

However, with Shields looking to continue cementing her 'GWOAT' status, the American has decided to step away from the cage for good due to the lack of time she has to train.

"MMA is done sweetheart. It was fun, but I don’t have enough time to train for it," Shields said during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show.

"It takes 6-8 months to just get ready to defend takedowns. Even though I got a lot better, I put in time, I got my arm broken twice."

Shields also revealed that while there was some opposition towards her entering the cage, she wanted to prove that she could mix it up in both boxing and MMA.

"My family never wanted me to do it, I did it because I wanted to prove a point and I proved that point.

"I did have aspirations of being PFL MMA world champion, having a fight with Kayla Harrison one day or Larissa Pacheco, I did have those dreams.

"I’m great already in boxing, and to be great like that in MMA, I would have to train at least three, four years consistently."

Read next | Claressa Shields names her women's boxing 'Mount Rushmore'

Shields' MMA career spanned three fights with a record of 2-1-0 with her last and final MMA outing taking place in February 2024 where she beat Kelsey DeSantis by split decision.

When it comes to what is next for Shields, her next fight has been confirmed for Saturday, July 26 when she defends her undisputed women's heavyweight title against Lani Daniels live on DAZN.

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