MMA Is Harder Than Boxing? Claressa Shields Makes Startling Confession Ahead of MMA Return

Claressa Shields, the undisputed middleweight boxing champion and Flint native is set to make a much-anticipated return to the MMA world later this month. Shields, boasting an impressive boxing record of 14-0 and a 1-1 MMA record, will face off against Kelsey De Santis on February 24th in the lightweight division (155 lbs). The question is: Will she be able to perform better than the last time?

Her previous fight turned into an upset as she failed to show the same dominance in the cage as she does in the ring. This highly anticipated event marks Shields’ first MMA fight since October 2021, where she faced Abigail Montes in a split decision loss. Speaking on the difference between the two sports, here’s what Shields has to say about the difficulty MMA presents.

From the queen of the ring to an MMA apprentice

Claressa Shields shared her thoughts on the challenges of transitioning to mixed martial arts (MMA) in an interview with Fight Hub TV. While expressing her excitement for her upcoming match, Shields admitted to experiencing a healthy dose of nervousness. “It’s not boxing,“ Shields acknowledged, highlighting the significant differences between the two combat sports. “It’s definitely harder,“ she continued, emphasizing the increased difficulty she faces in MMA compared to her boxing expertise.

Shields acknowledged the demanding nature of her MMA training, both physically and mentally. “This camp has been extremely hard,“ she revealed, emphasizing the strenuous nature of her preparation. Despite the challenges, Shields expressed her confidence in her growth and improvement. “I’ve learned a lot,“ she stated, “and I know I’ll be better inside the cage than what I was last time.“

Even though the transition has been hard on Shields who has been dominating the ring, she is not planning to back down. With her return to the octagon after almost two years, she plans to prove herself to the fans. In the meantime, she also took the chance to share her past struggles with her fans in order to motivate them to focus on improvement.

Claressa Shields’ knockout punch against depression

In a social media post, Claressa Shields revealed her inspiring journey through a difficult period. Following her fight against Maricela Cornejo last year, Shields admitted to battling depression, which led to unhealthy habits and weight gain.

“I had let myself go for months,” Shields wrote, acknowledging her struggles with mental health, hormonal issues, and neglecting exercise and healthy eating. However, Shields’ story doesn’t end there. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, she shared, “In October I defeated depression and started taking back over my life!”

Read More: “Not Ashamed to Say”: Claressa Shields Opens Up on Depression; Shares Incredible Transformation Through ‘Rough Time’

The accompanying photos showcased her incredible transformation, a testament to her dedication and perseverance. This comeback has undoubtedly resonated with fans, who eagerly await her return to the MMA soon. Shields’ story serves as a powerful reminder that challenges are inevitable, but overcoming them can lead to even greater strength and achievements. What do you think about the situation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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