Shields Makes History in Saudi MMA

Breaking Barriers in Saudi Arabia"

Boxing world champion Claressa Shields recently made history in Saudi Arabia with her victory in the first professional women's MMA fight held in Riyadh. With an impressive record of 13-0, Shields stands as a symbol of determination and resilience, breaking gender barriers in the realm of sports.

Transitioning from boxing to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in 2021, Shields showcased her prowess once again with a split decision win over Kelsey De Santis in Riyadh. This historic bout marked the first professional MMA fight in Saudi Arabia featuring two female athletes, making the victory even more significant for Shields.

Reflecting on her journey, Shields expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete in Saudi Arabia, a feat she never imagined possible. She credited her team for their unwavering support and emphasized the challenging nature of her training leading up to the fight. Despite facing difficulties during practice sessions, Shields persisted, ultimately emerging victorious in her MMA debut since 2021.

Hailing from Michigan, United States, Shields has achieved remarkable success on the international stage, becoming a two-time Olympic gold medallist in boxing. Her dedication to her craft and relentless pursuit of excellence have earned her recognition as the best active female pound-for-pound boxer.

While Shields has made history in boxing, she believes that MMA offers brighter prospects for female fighters, citing equal pay and opportunities as key factors driving the sport's growth. Despite her own achievements, Shields acknowledges the ongoing fight for gender equality in combat sports, particularly in boxing, where women are often paid less and have fewer opportunities compared to their male counterparts.

As an advocate for gender equality, Shields is committed to breaking down barriers and inspiring future generations of female athletes. She encourages young girls to persevere in the face of obstacles and draws inspiration from her own experiences of overcoming challenges in pursuit of her dreams.

In addition to her sporting achievements, Shields shared a special moment with heavyweight titan Mike Tyson, who offered words of encouragement before her fight. Tyson's advice resonated with Shields, reminding her not to be discouraged by setbacks and to keep moving forward in her journey.

In conclusion, Claressa Shields' historic victory in Saudi Arabia underscores the continued progress of women in sports and serves as a testament to the power of determination and resilience. As she continues to break barriers and inspire others, Shields remains committed to championing gender equality in combat sports and beyond.