The boxer turned MMA fighter Claressa Shields is gearing up for her MMA debut on June 10. The highly anticipated inaugural appearance will take place under the PFL promotional banner and will air on ESPN and ESPN 2. Despite not having any MMA experience, Shields will come in as the favorite against Brittney Elkin.
As Shields is 11-0 as a pro boxer, fans are expecting her prowess in combat to carry her forward in the cage. Additionally, she’s taking on a 3-6 fighter in Elkin who hasn’t won a fight since 2016. Furthermore, Elkin is on a three-fight skid. It’s clear that the PFL are pinning their hopes on a strong showing from Claressa Shields who’s been training out of Jackson Wink.
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Claressa Shields: Amping up the intensity
‘T-Rex’ Shields spoke to TMZ as the countdown to her fight beats on. She shared her idea of what she was looking for in a debut. Moreover, she also elaborated on her opponent, who had admittedly done a good job antagonizing her. Elkin’s claim, that she’d add Shields to her highlight reel, was a point of contention for the Olympian.
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“Everybody wants the knockout, everyone wants the stoppages, but for me, I just really want the experience. I want to get in there and get out as quick as possible, I’m fine with that. But, if I have to go 15 minutes and have an all-out war with Brittney Elkin, I’m fine with that.”
“I saw an interview where Brittney Elkin said she wants to make me a 15-second highlight reel. Like she wants to go in there and knock me out in 15 seconds. And, I was just thinking to myself, ‘Bi**h, in your dreams. In your wildest dreams.'”
There’s a lot riding on Claressa Shields’ debut as the PFL has brought her in as one of their biggest signings. Moreover, there are plenty of high-profile match-ups out there so long as he etches wins. How do you think she will fare on her debut?
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