Claressa Shields Takes on MMA Challenge After Amanda Nunes’ Provocation

Undisputed middleweight champion Claressa Shields embraces the challenge of MMA after being provoked by ex-UFC champion Amanda Nunes. Read about her journey and upcoming fight in Saudi Arabia.

Undisputed middleweight champion boxer Claressa Shields is ready to prove herself in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). After being challenged by former UFC champion Amanda Nunes, Shields has decided to take on the challenge and compete in her third MMA bout. She will face Kelsey De Santis in Saudi Arabia on 24 February. Shields, who remains undefeated in 14 boxing fights, is a world champion across multiple weight classes. Shields recently defended her undisputed middleweight boxing title against Maricela Cornejo in June. Amanda Nunes, the Brazilian MMA fighter, retired last year after an illustrious career as the UFC’s only two-time double champion. Shields is taking it one fight at a time but aims to replicate her boxing success in the world of MMA. She wants to prove that boxers can excel in MMA and has her sights set on becoming a PFL world champion.

Claressa Shields Embraces MMA Challenge

Undisputed middleweight champion boxer Claressa Shields is ready to prove herself in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). After being challenged by former UFC champion Amanda Nunes, Shields has decided to take on the challenge and compete in her third MMA bout. She will face Kelsey De Santis in Saudi Arabia on 24 February.

Shields, who is contracted to the PFL, initially wanted to fight Nunes in a boxing match. However, Nunes responded by saying, ‘tell Claressa Shields to come to my world and I’ll choke her.’ These words ignited a fire within Shields and motivated her to enter the realm of MMA.

Shields believes that none of the MMA fighters are willing to face her in the boxing ring because they know she would win easily. However, she sees MMA as a super challenge and an opportunity to push herself.

The announcement was made during a news conference promoting the PFL Champions v Bellator Champions event in Riyadh. This event marks the first show featuring fighters from both organizations since the PFL acquired Bellator in November.

Shields, who remains undefeated in 14 boxing fights, is a world champion across multiple weight classes. She made her MMA debut in June 2021, defeating Brittney Elkin. However, she suffered a loss to Abigail Montes four months later. Shields recently defended her undisputed middleweight boxing title against Maricela Cornejo in June.

Amanda Nunes, the Brazilian MMA fighter, retired last year after an illustrious career as the UFC’s only two-time double champion.

Shields is taking it one fight at a time but aims to replicate her boxing success in the world of MMA. She wants to prove that boxers can excel in MMA and has her sights set on becoming a PFL world champion.