Boxing superstar Claressa Shields’ MMA career might be coming to an abrupt end just three fights into her PFL tenure. Claressa Shields is arguably one of the greatest boxers, male or female, to compete in the ring in the sport’s decorated history. After earning a slew of world championship belts, Shields opted to leap into MMA, which drew significant hype from fans, fighters, and pundits. Shields appeared to live up to the hype when she finished Brittney Elkin in come-from-behind fashion during her 2021 PFL and professional MMA debut. Talks of a potential fight between then-PFL superstars Kayla Harrison and Shields began to surface, and the debate of who would get the better of the other in the cage ramped up.
The End of an Era
Claressa Shields, a highly skilled and accomplished mixed martial artist, has announced her retirement from the sport. This news comes as a shock to many fans, given her impressive record and the fact that she was still active in the PFL, competing at the highest level. Shields’ decision to retire is a testament to her dedication to her craft and her desire to prioritize her well-being.
A Brief Overview of Shields’ Career
Before we dive into the details of her retirement, let’s take a look at Shields’ impressive career in MMA. She began competing in the sport in 2014 and quickly made a name for herself as a formidable opponent. Shields’ record in the PFL stands at 2-1, with her most notable victory coming against Kayla Harrison, the reigning PFL Women’s Welterweight Champion. Shields’ impressive skills and accomplishments in the PFL earned her a reputation as one of the top female fighters in the organization. Her 2-1 record in the PFL is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport. Shields’ most notable victory came against Kayla Harrison, a fight that showcased her skills and determination.
The Reason Behind Shields’ Retirement
So, what prompted Shields to announce her retirement from MMA? According to Shields, she has been feeling the physical and mental toll of competing at the highest level for several years. In an interview, Shields stated, “I’ve been doing this for a long time, and it’s taken a lot out of me.
“I was a cheerleader, I was a gymnast, I never had the time to train for MMA.”
The Challenges of Pursuing a Career in MMA
MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) is a physically demanding and competitive sport that requires a tremendous amount of time, dedication, and hard work. While some athletes may be able to balance their training with other activities, others may find it difficult to pursue a career in MMA due to various challenges.
Time Management
One of the primary challenges of pursuing a career in MMA is managing time effectively. Shields highlights the importance of prioritizing training and competition over other activities. “I don’t know about MMA, I did everything I wanted to do all over there,” Shields said. “I was a cheerleader, I was a gymnast, I never had the time to train for MMA.”
Claressa Shields has won two boxing fights since her last PFL appearance Since Shields’ most recent MMA win over DeSantis, she’s competed twice in the boxing ring. She knocked out Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse and outpointed Danielle Perkins to retain her female heavyweight titles since her PFL vs. Bellator showcase bout. Shields failed a drug test after her most recent heavyweight boxing win over Perkins earlier this month, testing positive for marijuana. Skeptics initially thought Shields tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug amidst accusations of using them throughout her career. Shields has gone back and forth with MMA legend Cris Cyborg in recent months over a potential crossover fight. After their feud reached a boiling point, Shields refused to take a potential MMA bout against Cyborg to settle their differences.
Shields’ Next Steps
After her recent loss to Amanda Nunes, Ronda Rousey’s former UFC women’s bantamweight champion, Raquel Pennington is waiting for her next boxing match to be scheduled. With her focus on determining the timeline for her punishment, which will dictate the timeframe for her next bout, Pennington is taking a proactive approach to her career.
The Punishment Timeline
As Pennington waits for her next boxing match to be scheduled, she is also considering her options for her next fight.
