Claressa Shields’ MMA journey may be over, but her impact is lasting. She entered the cage as a boxer and exited as a multi-dimensional combat athlete who showed courage, resilience, and humility
She never pretended to be the best in MMA—only to be the best version of herself in that arena.
And in that respect, she succeeded beyond expectations. Shields walked away on her own terms, with dignity, victories, and newfound respect from a broader community of fans.
Whether inside the boxing ring or far beyond it, the GWOAT continues to inspire—and that legacy will endure long after her gloves are hung up for good.
Claressa Shields is already a living legend, but she’s far from finished. Her desire to fight three times a year reflects not only her personal ambition but also her broader mission to uplift women’s boxing.
With her unmatched drive, elite skill set, and unwavering determination, Shields is ready to make the next few years the most exciting of her career.
Whether or not she’s able to fight three times a year consistently will depend on many moving parts — but one thing is certain: if anyone can force change and elevate the sport, it’s Claressa Shields.
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Table of Contents
Claressa Shields: The GWOAT’s Bold Foray into MMA
Claressa Shields, widely regarded as the “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time) in boxing, made headlines in late 2020 when she announced a shocking crossover to mixed martial arts (MMA).1
A decorated Olympic gold medalist and multi-division boxing world champion, Shields had already achieved more than most in the ring.
Yet, driven by a desire to challenge herself and prove her versatility, she inked a three-year deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), a bold move that sparked curiosity across the combat sports world.
Her decision wasn’t motivated by a need for fame or money—she had plenty of both. Instead, Shields sought a personal test: to show that a top-tier boxer could succeed in the complex, multidimensional arena of MMA.
This wasn’t just about punching. It was about grappling, wrestling, kicks, submissions, and enduring the grueling cross-training needed to stay competitive.
Punk ass btc!!!! https://t.co/VW2qpdehPm
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) May 20, 2025
A Promising Debut: Victory in the Face of Adversity
Shields’ MMA debut came in June 2021, against Brittany Elkin. The bout was a nail-biter. Shields faced real adversity, spending much of the early rounds on the ground defending submissions and absorbing punishment.
Yet, in true GWOAT fashion, she rallied in the third round to earn a TKO victory.
The win wasn’t just a testament to her striking—it was a reflection of her heart, grit, and determination. Many critics had doubted her chances in MMA, assuming her lack of grappling experience would be her downfall.
Instead, Shields showed that she was not merely a boxer stepping into a different sport for headlines. She had done the work and came to fight.
The Learning Curve: A Setback Against Abigail Montes
Her second MMA fight took place in October 2021 against Abigail Montes. Shields, confident but realistic, entered the cage knowing she was still a student of the game.
Unfortunately for her, Montes had the edge on the ground, using wrestling and control to hand Shields her first professional MMA loss by split decision.
The defeat was humbling, but it also showcased her toughness. She defended numerous takedowns better than before, and her striking was still lethal.
However, the gap in experience—particularly in wrestling—was evident. Despite the loss, Shields took it in stride, seeing it as a necessary step in her development.
Claressa Shields: Split Decision Win Over Kelsey DeSantis
After a long layoff due to injuries, including two broken arms, Shields returned to MMA in February 2024.2
This time, her opponent was Kelsey DeSantis. The fight went the distance, and while it was another closely contested bout, Shields walked away with a split decision victory.
What stood out most was her improved composure. Shields looked more confident defending takedowns and was able to maintain striking range more effectively.
It was evident that she had put in the hard hours, even with her injury setbacks. The victory improved her record to 2-1 and capped off her brief but respectable MMA run.
The Official Farewell: “MMA Is Done, Sweetheart”
In May 2025, Claressa Shields finally addressed the speculation about her MMA future during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. With grace and honesty, she confirmed that she was done with the sport:
“MMA is done, sweetheart. It was fun… I don’t have enough time to train for it.”
She went on to explain the sacrifices required to stay competitive in MMA—the grueling preparation, time away from boxing, and physical toll.
Despite having aspirations of one day becoming a PFL world champion, Shields acknowledged that the training demands were too heavy to juggle with her already packed boxing schedule.
Fighting Through Injury: Shields’ Physical Battle
One of the more striking revelations during her interview was Shields’ mention of breaking her arm—twice—during her MMA journey.
For any athlete, let alone a striker, such injuries are debilitating. The recovery time, the frustration, and the psychological burden could have easily pushed her to quit earlier.
Instead, she persevered. These injuries weren’t just physical hurdles; they were emotional and mental trials that tested her willpower.
Shields continued to train, evolve, and climb into the cage despite these challenges, proving once again why she’s held in such high regard in the world of combat sports.
The Legacy in MMA: More Than Just a Record
On paper, Claressa Shields ends her MMA career with a 2-1 record. But numbers alone don’t tell the whole story.
Her venture into MMA wasn’t about titles or undefeated streaks—it was about stepping out of her comfort zone and showing that true greatness lies in taking risks.
Shields didn’t need MMA to solidify her legacy. She did it because she wanted to challenge herself in a completely different realm. And in doing so, she earned the respect of fans, fighters, and critics alike.
Few high-profile athletes are willing to test themselves in unfamiliar territory, especially when they have everything to lose and little to gain.
Claressa Shields: Balancing Two Worlds
The Time and Energy Factor
Shields emphasized how time-consuming MMA training is. Unlike boxing, which requires intense focus on a limited skill set, MMA demands well-roundedness—striking, jiu-jitsu, wrestling, clinch work, and more.3
The preparation for a single fight could span 6-8 months just to be ready to defend takedowns effectively.
For someone still competing at the highest level in boxing, that kind of commitment became unsustainable. Shields admitted that while her heart was in both sports, there simply weren’t enough hours in the day to pursue both at an elite level.
A Woman of Many Firsts: Crossing Boundaries
Claressa Shields is no stranger to breaking boundaries.
She was the first American woman to win Olympic boxing gold, a multi-division undisputed boxing champion, and now, one of the few athletes to successfully cross over into MMA and earn victories.
Her brief time in the cage reinforced her image as a pioneer.
She challenged norms, expanded her skill set, and inspired a generation of young fighters—especially women—to believe they could do it all. Shields didn’t need to win a belt to make history in MMA.
Her presence alone shifted conversations and widened the scope of what’s possible for female athletes in combat sports.
What’s Next for the GWOAT?
With MMA in the rearview mirror, Shields can now fully refocus on boxing. Her next bout is highly anticipated, and many believe she still has years left at the top of the sport.
There’s talk of future super-fights, potential rematches, and perhaps even venturing into boxing promotions or commentary roles down the line.
She remains an outspoken advocate for women’s sports, equal pay, and mental health awareness. Whatever comes next, it’s clear that Claressa Shields is far from finished rewriting the rules and raising the bar.
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Claressa Shields Sets Her Sights on a Busier Fight Schedule
In the world of boxing, few names resonate with dominance and ambition quite like Claressa Shields.
Known as the “GWOAT” — the Greatest Woman of All Time — Shields has already accomplished more than most athletes dream of in a lifetime.
Now, with an undefeated record of 16-0 and the status of being the undisputed female heavyweight champion, Shields is setting her sights on an even more active and ambitious future in the sport.
An Unblemished Legacy So Far
Claressa Shields’ professional boxing career is a masterclass in discipline, focus, and excellence. Since making her pro debut in 2016, Shields has remained undefeated, amassing a perfect 16-0 record with her relentless work ethic and elite boxing IQ.
She has become the first boxer in the four-belt era — male or female — to be undisputed champion in two weight divisions simultaneously.
Her achievements have not gone unnoticed. Shields is not only a two-time Olympic gold medalist (London 2012 and Rio 2016), but she’s also a multi-division world champion who has headlined major events, broken barriers, and played a critical role in elevating women’s boxing to new heights.
Claressa Shields: Press Meet
On Claressa Shields’ recent press meet, she shared his secret strategy of staying laser focused during match, the full interview is available at Way Up With Angela Yee’s youtube channel.
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The Upcoming Battle: Shields vs. Daniels
On July 26 in Detroit, Michigan, Claressa Shields is set to defend her undisputed heavyweight titles against New Zealand’s Lani Daniels.
This bout marks another major chapter in Shields’ remarkable career and serves as an important litmus test for her plans moving forward.
Daniels, a formidable contender with a solid track record, poses a legitimate challenge. But for Shields, this fight is more than a title defense — it’s a statement. She is using this stage not just to solidify her dominance but also to signal her readiness for more activity in the ring.
The Desire for Activity: “Three Fights a Year”
In a recent interview with Local 4, Shields revealed a goal she’s long been striving for — to fight three times a year.
She explained how her desire to stay active in the ring has been hampered by logistical and promotional challenges.
“Honestly, I want to fight three times this year because I’ve wanted to fight three times for the past three, four years, three times a year, and I haven’t been able to. I’ve only been able to fight one time every year, and I want to give my fans something to look forward to.”
Shields’ comments highlight a core frustration shared by many elite boxers — the difficulty of staying active despite peak physical condition and public demand.
Claressa Shields: Obstacles in the Way
While Shields’ determination is unquestionable, her ambition to fight three times a year is met with several real-world obstacles.
First and foremost is the limited infrastructure and promotional focus around women’s boxing. Unlike their male counterparts, many top female fighters struggle to get consistent exposure, television deals, and fight dates.
Then there are the business logistics: matchmaking, venue selection, contract negotiations, and promotional agreements.
Coordinating three high-profile fights per year can be a complex and lengthy process, especially for an athlete of Shields’ caliber who is selective about her opponents.
Fitness and Readiness: “I Feel Like I’m in Great Shape”
- Despite these barriers, Shields feels physically and mentally ready for a more demanding schedule.
- Her commitment to training and maintaining peak performance year-round allows her the flexibility to accept more fights if the opportunities present themselves.
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“To be able to fight twice is great, but to be able to fight three times is even better. I feel like I’m in great shape.”
- This level of physical preparedness gives Shields an edge. She’s not just making empty declarations — she’s proving with her discipline and conditioning that she’s built for more frequent competition.
- Shields’ push for a busier fight calendar isn’t just about personal goals or record padding — it’s about her broader impact on the sport.
- As one of the most recognizable faces in women’s boxing, her activity level has a direct influence on how fans and the industry view the sport.
- By being more active, Shields could help increase visibility for women’s boxing, drive higher television ratings, and push for more parity in fight purses and opportunities.
- Every time she steps into the ring, it becomes an event that further legitimizes female fighters on the global stage.
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