Claressa Shields Calls Time on MMA: Boxing Great Says She’s “Done” with the Cage

Undisputed Boxing World Champion Shields Ends Her MMA Chapter After Three Fights

After dabbling in mixed martial arts for the better part of three years, Claressa Shields—the undefeated, multi-weight world boxing champion—has closed the door on her MMA career. In a candid interview, the 30-year-old told Ariel Helwani that her time in the cage is officially over, as she now shifts full focus back to her first love: boxing.

“It was fun, but I’m done,” Shields said plainly, reflecting on a brief but eventful stint with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Her MMA run ends with a 2-1 record, and while it didn’t lead to title belts or headlines like her boxing journey has, the experience clearly left its mark on her.

“Too Much, Too Hard”: Shields Opens Up on the Realities of MMA

Claressa Shields closes door on MMA career after three fights –

For someone with Shields’ résumé—Olympic gold medalist, five-division world champion, and now the reigning undisputed heavyweight queen in women’s boxing—it may seem surprising that she ever took a detour into MMA. But for the Flint, Michigan native, it was about chasing a different kind of greatness.

“I did it because I wanted to prove a point,” she explained. “And I proved that point to myself three times—though you could say twice because I won twice.”

Her journey in MMA began in 2021, with a dramatic come-from-behind win over Brittney Elkin in her debut. It was a result that raised eyebrows and turned heads, showing she could dig deep and adapt, even without the comfort of her boxing gloves.

But that early momentum faltered when she suffered a split-decision loss to Abigail Montes in her second outing. After that, a two-and-a-half-year break from the cage followed before she returned for her final fight—an impressive decision victory over Kelsey De Santis. And now, she says, that’s enough.

“MMA takes six to eight months just to train to defend takedowns,” Shields said. “Even though I got a lot better and put in the time, I broke my arm twice. It was fun, and I enjoyed every fight I did. But it was too hard.”

Family First: Supportive But Relieved

Beyond the physical toll and long training camps, Shields revealed that her MMA venture didn’t exactly have full support from her inner circle. Her family, she says, were always more comfortable seeing her in a boxing ring than on the mat or inside the cage.

“My family never wanted me to do it,” she admitted. “They were happy for me, proud of me, but they wanted me to stay in boxing. They’ve seen how good I am in boxing. MMA was something I did for me.”

In a way, that sums up Shields’ ethos. Her career has always been about blazing her own trail, shattering barriers, and proving critics wrong. She didn’t need to prove anything in MMA, but she took the challenge on anyway—because that’s who she is.

Claressa Shields: Still the Queen of the Ring

Now back in her element, Shields can focus entirely on continuing her dominance in boxing. Her record stands at a perfect 16-0, with world titles collected like souvenirs in five different weight divisions—from light-middleweight to heavyweight. Earlier this year, she added the undisputed heavyweight crown to her glittering collection, further solidifying her place atop the women’s pound-for-pound rankings.

In fact, there’s no argument about it—Shields is currently ranked No. 1 on the women’s boxing pound-for-pound list, ahead of names like Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, and Chantelle Cameron. She’s not just the best in her division; she’s the best in the world.

And while she’s already achieved almost everything there is to accomplish in the sport, there’s a sense that she’s not even close to being done. She’s still got plenty of time, plenty of ambition, and as we’ve come to expect—plenty of fire.

Women’s Boxing Has Never Looked Stronger

The decision to step away from MMA comes at a time when women’s boxing is arguably in the best place it’s ever been. Shields leads a golden generation of fighters who have taken the sport to new heights.

Just behind her in the rankings is Irish superstar Katie Taylor, followed by the ever-dangerous Chantelle Cameron and Puerto Rican legend Amanda Serrano. Each of these champions has played a role in transforming the sport, but none have dominated quite like Shields.

Whether she’s fighting in the U.S., Europe, or taking on opponents from around the globe, her performances have become must-watch events. And now that she’s shelving MMA for good, fans can expect more big nights and blockbuster fights in the ring.

What’s Next for the GWOAT?

So, what lies ahead for Claressa Shields, the self-proclaimed GWOAT—Greatest Woman of All Time?

With the heavyweight division newly conquered, she has the rare freedom to jump between weight classes, chase rematches, or pursue legacy-defining super fights. One potential path could be a rematch with Savannah Marshall, who remains one of the few women to have ever beaten Shields—in the amateurs, no less.

Then there’s a possible showdown with undisputed welterweight champion Lauren Price, who’s quickly rising through the ranks. And let’s not forget the ever-persistent talk of crossover bouts or even a superfight with Katie Taylor if weight and politics allow.

Whatever direction she takes, Shields is once again all-in on boxing. No more wrestling drills. No more takedown defense. Just her and the sweet science.

A Fighter Who Tried It All

At the end of the day, Claressa Shields deserves credit not just for her boxing brilliance but for having the courage to try something completely different—and succeed.

She didn’t have to step into a cage, didn’t need to prove herself in another combat sport, and certainly didn’t need to risk her body. But she did. Because that’s what fighters do.

Now, as she closes that chapter and re-centers her focus, one thing is clear: the boxing world hasn’t seen the last of Claressa Shields—not by a long shot. And while the MMA gloves may be off for good, the legacy of her brief crossover remains—a reminder that the GWOAT doesn’t back down from any challenge.