“Claressa Shields Returns to MMA Spotlight, Eager to Prove Herself Against Kelsey DeSantis”

Claressa Shields has surprised many by stepping back into the mixed martial arts (MMA) cage for another match on February 24. The three-division boxing champion, who suffered a split-decision defeat to Abigail Montes in October 2021, is set to face Kelsey DeSantis in a three-round lightweight bout as part of the “PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions” pay-per-view event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Shields, representing PFL with a 1-1 MMA record, expressed her desire to challenge herself in MMA, especially after an enticing proposition from Amanda Nunes for a boxing match. Nunes, a dominant figure in MMA, responded by challenging Shields to step into her world, igniting a competitive fire in the boxer. Shields is determined to showcase her skills beyond boxing and believes that within a year or two, she will be contending for an MMA world title.

In her MMA debut in June 2021, Shields secured a third-round technical knockout victory over Brittney Elkin. Despite Montes handing her a defeat in her second MMA outing, Shields remains resolute in her pursuit of excellence, emphasizing that she is not just a formidable force in boxing but an all-around fighter.

Shields, hailing from Flint, Michigan, faced her first loss in either sport since her amateur days when Savannah Marshall defeated her in 2012. However, Shields avenged this loss in a middleweight title fight in October 2022, maintaining her undefeated professional boxing record (14-0, 2 KOs). With limited appealing options in boxing, Shields is eager to make her mark in the world of MMA and continue her journey towards further success.