Claressa Shields looking to be a two sport champion with MMA signing
Social media is about to hit the buzz-alert button again, as fans will awaken to news of arguably the face of female boxing, Claressa “T-Rex” Shields (10-0, 2ko), signing to an MMA fight deal with Professional Fighters League.
Now, this should not come as a surprise to anyone. Shields told us of the desire to debut in MMA back at the beginning of the year. Furthermore, in 2019 the Flint, Michigan native is on record saying she would learn some jiu-jitsu and some wrestling in regards to a possible fight with MMA’s two-division female champion Amanda Nunes.
KEEPING HER WORD
Shields has always been tied to MMA in some fashion. Her friendship with MMA living legend Cris Cyborg is well-known. Moreover, it was Nunes’ 2018 devastating knockout victory over her friend that aroused conversations of who has the better hands. The self-proclaimed Greatest Woman Of All-Time took issue with comments claiming the MMA champion had the best hands in both combat sports.
“I remember when Amanda Nunes knocked out Cris Cyborg and, I don’t know who said it, but they said, Amanda Nunes has the best hands that we’ve seen in any sport, boxing or MMA, and I was like, NO!”
It has been reported that Shields has enlisted the help of Olympic wrestling champion Adaline Gray and MMA champion Jon “Bones” Jones. The only reason for her delay in making a debut this year, of course, was the global pandemic, which saw PFL postpone all fighting events for the year.
Furthermore, boxing fans are probably wondering if this means boxing is in the rearview. Well not to worry, as a recent social post by the Flint fighter should put that noise to rest.
MMA fans should be happy to see the GWOAT willing to back up her words and following through on her promise. This will be a huge challenge for the number one pound for pound female fighter.
Nevertheless, “T-Rex” is not doing this just for the fun of it. Her goal will be nothing short of being a two-sport champion. The real question is, can her body endure the level of commitment and training to compete in both sports? Only time will tell. However, it is clear she is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve greatness.
By: Garrisson Bland
