Cris Cyborg Criticizes Claressa Shields Regarding MMA Departure

Current Bellator featherweight champion Cris Cyborg has publicly weighed in on the MMA career of boxing standout Claressa Shields. In recent comments reported by Sherdog, Cyborg suggested that Shields opted to move away from mixed martial arts because the sport proved to be too demanding.

Shields, a multi-division world champion in professional boxing, made her professional MMA debut in 2021 with the PFL. She accumulated a 1-1 record in the cage, with her lone loss coming via split decision against Abigail Montes before securing a victory over Kelsey DeSantis. Despite the crossover attempts, Shields has focused primarily on her boxing career in recent years.

Cyborg’s assessment characterizes the shift as a reaction to the technical and physical difficulties unique to the transition into mixed martial arts. The statement highlights the ongoing discussion surrounding the challenges boxers face when attempting to adapt to a multi-disciplinary combat environment. As of now, Shields has not publicly responded to Cyborg’s assertions regarding her tenure in the sport. The two champions have long been figures linked by their stature in women’s combat sports, though their paths within the MMA landscape have diverged significantly.

Source: Sherdog.