World-renowned boxing champion Claressa Shields has announced her decision to step away from mixed martial arts (MMA). Having competed in three fights under the PFL banner, the 30-year-old athlete revealed that she will now dedicate herself entirely to boxing. Despite achieving a commendable 2-1 record in MMA since 2021, Shields expressed the challenges of balancing training for both sports. With an illustrious career marked by multiple weight-class titles and Olympic gold, she acknowledges the difficulties of excelling in another combat discipline while maintaining her dominance in boxing.

Shields' journey into MMA began as a personal challenge to prove her versatility across combat sports. However, the demands of preparing for takedowns and adapting to different fighting techniques required extensive time commitments. Injuries, including two broken arms, further complicated her progress. Although she enjoyed her experience in MMA, the Michigan-native recognized the need to prioritize her established career in boxing. Her recent acquisition of the undisputed heavyweight title adds another feather to her already impressive cap, showcasing her unmatched prowess in the ring.

Training for MMA proved to be an arduous task for Shields, requiring six to eight months of preparation just to defend against takedowns effectively. Despite showing significant improvement, the physical toll and time investment were unsustainable alongside her boxing commitments. During an interview with Ariel Helwani, Shields highlighted how her family consistently encouraged her to focus on boxing rather than pursuing additional ventures in MMA. While she initially ventured into MMA to validate her skills, she ultimately concluded that her true passion and expertise lie within the realm of boxing.

Athletic pursuits often involve exploring new horizons, but sometimes returning to one's roots becomes necessary. For Claressa Shields, this means channeling all her energy back into boxing, where she continues to dominate with an undefeated record spanning 16 professional bouts. As a five-time world champion across various weight classes, her legacy remains firmly rooted in the sport. Moving forward, fans can expect even more thrilling performances from Shields as she refocuses on what made her a global icon in the first place—her unparalleled skill in the boxing ring.