The “GWOAT” Claressa Shields Sets Her Eyes On a New Target

During the whirlwind of a highly anticipated UFC welterweight showdown between champion Kamaru Usman and proven contender Colby Covington, Claressa Shields’ was sure to get her time in front of the camera only to amplify the excitement and attention to this event. It’s also worth noting that any time a boxing or MMA athlete shows face at their counterparts event, there will certainly be talks about an eventual transition to new stomping grounds and with the happening of the “May-Mac” boxing match between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor, these crossovers are no longer impossible.

PUNCHING IN

A backstage interview during the night of the UFC 245 fight card features Claressa Shields and her stern demeanor regarding a transition from the ring to the octagon. Shields is no stranger to high-level competition and winning and that’s very well shown in her many accolades including being a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist (2012 and 2016) and holding a blemish-free 10-0 professional record. Shields was consistent with her words when she stated that all she needed was sufficient time to put in the work and hone the skills necessary to step into the octagon back in December of 2019.

Shields mentioned some very exciting possibilities during her interview such as a fight with champ-champ Amanda Nunes for the title of the “GWOAT” that of course being the most popular option that will certainly grab the eyes of both hardcore and casual fans. As previously stated, crossover bout trailblazers Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather have made these bouts realistic as they were simply fantasies beforehand. With the announcement of Shields signing a deal with the PFL, the next question is “who?”. As there aren’t many options for matchups, the PFL may be the perfect opportunity for Shields to “wet her beak” in this new level of competition. The current lightweight division is a weight she can make as she’s weighed in as low as 153.5 pounds against Ivana Habazin.

Few would disagree with the current level of stardom and the potential new heights that a talent such as Shields can bring to the MMA scene. Shields is most certainly a talent that you want to gradually build up especially with youth and extreme promise both working in her favor. Shields will prove to be a great addition to the octagon and as she becomes a more well-rounded martial artist to compliment her dominant stand-up, two words…WATCH OUT.

Featured Image Credits to boxingscene.com

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