Claressa Shields Declares Retirement from Mixed Martial Arts

FLINT, Mich. — Boxing champion Claressa Shields announced she is “done” with mixed martial arts (MMA) after a mixed record in the sport. The 30-year-old Shields, who remains unbeaten in boxing, explored MMA over the last few years, ending with a 2-1 record with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

Shields’ last MMA fight took place in February 2024, where she secured a victory over Kelsey de Santis. Despite the success, Shields expressed her struggle with the time commitment needed for MMA training. “It was fun, but I don’t have enough time to train for it,” she said. Shields explained that mastering defenses against takedowns requires at least six to eight months of dedicated training.

Shields has broken her arm twice during her MMA pursuits, which further complicated her ability to commit fully. “I did really well in MMA. It was fun, but it was too hard,” she stated. The Michigan native remains focused on her boxing career, which has seen her win titles in five different weight classes, alongside two Olympic gold medals.

While Shields initially had ambitions of becoming an MMA champion, family concerns influenced her decision to withdraw. “My family never wanted me to do it,” she added. She sought to challenge herself but has ultimately decided to concentrate on boxing, where she feels most accomplished.

Shields has kept busy in boxing, winning several heavyweight titles in her recent matches, including her victories over opponents like Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse and Danielle Perkins. The self-proclaimed “Greatest Woman of All Time” plans to continue her boxing career, with a fight scheduled against Lani Daniels in Detroit on July 26.

Furthermore, her current relationship with hip-hop artist Papoose also played a role in her decision. Papoose expressed concern over her involvement in MMA, urging her to “please just not do that anymore.” Shields acknowledged that her boxing achievements require her full attention and dedication.

In addition to her athletic pursuits, Shields recently ventured into film, starring in a biopic titled “The Fire Inside,” which explores her career. Despite the film’s mixed reception, it marks another chapter in Shields’ multifaceted career.