Boxing champion Claressa Shields has signed a multi-year deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) to make her return to MMA in 2024. Shields, widely regarded as the number one pound-for-pound female boxer in the world, previously debuted in the PFL in 2021, where she went 1-1 in two appearances.
Expressing her excitement about returning to a fighter-first organization, Shields stated her goal of becoming the first athlete to hold championships in both boxing and MMA simultaneously. She expressed her eagerness to showcase her improved skills since her first MMA fight.
The details of the deal have not been disclosed, but Shields’ signing demonstrates the PFL’s commitment to bringing in top talent and expanding its roster. Recent acquisitions by the organization include former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and professional boxer/social media influencer Jake Paul. The PFL is also exploring a potential merger or acquisition with Bellator MMA.
The PFL’s CEO, Peter Murray, expressed his privilege in announcing the signing of Claressa Shields, hailing her as the most dominant women’s boxer in the world. Murray emphasized the shared values between Shields and the PFL, describing them as a merit-based organization with an attitude to take on the world.
Shields’s venture into MMA began with a TKO victory in her debut fight, following her opponent to the ground and finishing her with strikes. Although she experienced a split decision loss in her second appearance, Shields returned to the boxing ring and successfully defended her middleweight titles three times in just 16 months. With an undefeated professional boxing record of 14-0 and 2 KOs, Shields is widely recognized as the best female boxer globally by ESPN.
The PFL, known for its regular season and playoffs format, is expanding its reach into pay-per-view events. The organization aims to provide an exceptional platform for fighters, prioritizing their welfare and performance. Shields’s decision to join the PFL once again highlights the organization’s fighter-first approach.
As we anticipate Claressa Shields’s return to MMA in 2024, fans eagerly await the opportunity to witness her skills and determination in the PFL SmartCage. With her impressive track record in boxing and her drive to succeed in MMA, Shields is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the world of combat sports.
