Claressa Shields, a name synonymous with boxing excellence, has announced her retirement from mixed martial arts (MMA). Citing the demanding training regimen and the physical toll of the sport, Shields, who boasts a remarkable 16-0 record in boxing and considers herself ‘the greatest woman of all time,’ has decided to refocus her efforts on her boxing career.
Shields’ foray into MMA in 2021 generated considerable buzz, as she sought to conquer another combat sport. While she demonstrated potential, the transition proved challenging. Now, after a 2-1 run marked by injuries, including two arm fractures, Shields is stepping away from the MMA arena.
This article delves into Shields’ MMA journey, her reasons for retirement, and what the future holds for the boxing champion. We’ll examine her comments on the difficulty of MMA training, her aspirations, and her upcoming boxing match.
Claressa Shields’ MMA Debut and Challenges
Claressa Shields’ decision to enter the world of MMA was met with excitement and curiosity. Her reputation as a dominant boxer preceded her, and many wondered if she could replicate her success in a different combat discipline. She secured a victory in her debut, showcasing her athleticism and determination.
However, the challenges of MMA soon became apparent. The sport requires a diverse skillset, including striking, grappling, and wrestling. Shields faced a split-decision defeat in her second fight, highlighting the learning curve she faced. Despite her dedication, mastering the intricacies of MMA proved to be a significant undertaking.
In February 2024, Shields secured a win against Kelsey DeSantis, but the physical demands of the sport continued to take a toll. The injuries she sustained, including two arm fractures, ultimately contributed to her decision to retire. As Shields told Ariel Helwani, ‘It was fun, but I don’t have enough time to train for it. It takes eight months just to get ready to defend takedowns.’
The Toll of MMA Training
One of the primary reasons for Claressa Shields’ retirement from MMA is the immense time and effort required to train at a championship level. Unlike boxing, which primarily focuses on striking and footwork, MMA demands proficiency in various disciplines. This includes grappling, wrestling, and submission techniques, in addition to striking.
Shields acknowledged the extensive training needed to excel in MMA, stating, ‘It takes a lot of time to train for MMA, time that I don’t have.’ She recognized that achieving greatness in MMA would necessitate consistent training for at least three to four years. The commitment required to reach the pinnacle of MMA conflicted with her established boxing career.
Furthermore, the risk of injury is inherent in MMA. Shields experienced this firsthand, suffering two arm fractures during her brief MMA career. These injuries not only hindered her progress but also raised concerns about her long-term health. As she weighed the pros and cons, Shields ultimately decided that the physical toll of MMA was too high.
Family Concerns and Proving a Point
Another factor that influenced Claressa Shields’ decision to retire from MMA was the concern of her family. As she revealed, ‘My family never wanted me to do it.’ The inherent risks of MMA, combined with the extensive training demands, likely weighed heavily on her family’s minds. Their apprehension added another layer of consideration to her decision-making process.
Despite her family’s concerns, Shields pursued MMA to prove a point. She aimed to demonstrate her versatility as an athlete and her ability to compete in different combat sports. While she didn’t achieve championship status in MMA, she proved her willingness to step outside her comfort zone and challenge herself in a new arena.
Ultimately, Shields felt she had accomplished her goal of proving a point. She gained valuable experience, expanded her skillset, and garnered respect for her courage and determination. With her point proven, she felt comfortable returning to her primary focus: boxing.
Aspirations vs. Reality
Claressa Shields harbored aspirations of becoming a PFL MMA world champion and potentially facing off against top fighters like Kayla Harrison or Larissa Pacheco. These were ambitious goals that reflected her competitive spirit and her desire to achieve greatness in multiple sports. However, the realities of MMA training and competition ultimately tempered those aspirations.
Shields acknowledged the significant gap between her boxing prowess and her MMA skill set. She recognized that closing that gap would require years of dedicated training, a commitment that she couldn’t fully make due to her boxing career. The allure of becoming a dual-sport champion was strong, but the practicalities of time and physical limitations led her to reconsider her path.
In the end, Shields prioritized her strengths and her established success in boxing. She realized that focusing on her boxing career offered the best opportunity to continue achieving greatness and solidifying her legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats. While the dream of MMA glory may have faded, her passion for boxing remained as strong as ever.
Return to Boxing
With her MMA chapter closed, Claressa Shields is now fully focused on her boxing career. She is scheduled to return to the boxing ring against IBF light-heavyweight titleholder Lani Daniels on July 26. This match represents a significant opportunity for Shields to further solidify her dominance in the boxing world and add another title to her already impressive resume.
Shields currently holds the undisputed heavyweight champion title, which she secured with a unanimous points win over Danielle Perkins in February. She will put those titles and her perfect record on the line against Daniels at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The fight promises to be an exciting showcase of Shields’ boxing skills and her unwavering determination.
As Shields embarks on this new chapter, she carries with her the lessons and experiences gained from her MMA journey. While MMA may not have been the right fit for her long-term, it undoubtedly shaped her as an athlete and provided her with a new perspective on combat sports. Now, she is ready to channel her energy and focus back into boxing, where she aims to continue her reign as one of the sport’s most dominant figures.
Conclusion
Claressa Shields’ decision to retire from MMA marks the end of a brief but intriguing chapter in her career. While she demonstrated potential and secured victories, the demanding training regimen and the physical toll of the sport ultimately led her to prioritize her boxing career. Her MMA journey provided her with valuable experiences and a renewed appreciation for her strengths as a boxer.
Shields’ return to boxing represents an opportunity to further solidify her legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Her upcoming match against Lani Daniels is a highly anticipated event that will showcase her skills and determination. With her focus now solely on boxing, Shields is poised to continue her reign as one of the sport’s most dominant and influential figures.
Ultimately, Claressa Shields’ decision reflects a strategic and pragmatic approach to her career. By recognizing her limitations and prioritizing her strengths, she has positioned herself for continued success and long-term health. As she embarks on this new chapter, she carries with her the lessons and experiences gained from her MMA journey, ready to conquer new challenges in the world of boxing.
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