The rivalry between Cris Cyborg and Claressa Shields has been brewing as two of combat sports’ most dominant athletes eye a potential clash. Cyborg, a legendary figure in MMA, and Shields, an undefeated boxing champion, represent the best of their respective disciplines. Shields has already dipped her toes into MMA, while Cyborg has expressed interest in testing her skills in boxing.

With both women at the top of their game, a showdown between them promises to be a thrilling collision of power and technique. However, Shields seemed to be frustrated with the callouts and now wants some real action with her.

Claressa Shields is looking forward to her fight with Cris Cyborg next in her career

Cris Cyborg made a dominant return to MMA with a victory over two-time PFL champion Larissa Pacheco earlier this year at Battle of the Giants. With at least one fight remaining on her current PFL contract, Cyborg now faces the choice of defending her Bellator title or pursuing a high-profile super fight. A possible showdown for Cyborg could be against Claressa Shields, a boxing champion and rising MMA fighter under the PFL banner. Shields recently stepped back into the cage at PFL vs. Bellator, where she secured a split-decision victory over Kelsey DeSantis.

Cyborg and Shields have hinted at a potential crossover fight in the ring, but discussions have stalled due to disagreements over the weight class for the bout. Despite this, tensions between the two have escalated in recent weeks, adding fuel to the growing speculation about a possible matchup. In a recent post on X, Cyborg ramped up her ongoing beef with Shields. She posted, “In a real fight I suplex [Claressa Shields] on her head,”. Cyborg further added, “If she wants a boxing match, tell her to put down the cookies and chips and make 147. If she can’t make weight, tell her to sign the [PFL] deal and we can do it at an open weight, no weigh-in.”

It seems the 29-year-old now wants some real action and is confident she can win her fight against her. However, she has made it clear that the fight will be taking place inside a boxing ring and not in MMA. While speaking to Henry Cejudo and Kamaru Usman on their ‘Pound 4 Pound’ podcast she made it clear that she has no problem in facing Cyborg next. She said, “She wants the clout. That’s what Chris Cyborg wants. Ain’t nobody pay no attention to no Chris Cyborg no more. She’s old and I’m new. I’m popping right now. She’s a hater and when we spar I kicked her a** easy. She wants to fight me, well come do it.”

In recent years, Cyborg has hinted at retirement, signaling that she may be nearing the end of her combat sports career. However, she’s expressed a desire to take part in high-profile super fights before stepping away, and her rising rivalry with Shields could be the perfect opportunity for one final showdown. However, the 39-year-old has certain conditions for the fight to happen.

Cris Cyborg wants Claressa Shields to make 147 pounds for their iconic fight

Cris Cyborg is best known for her dominance in MMA, where she has built an iconic career across several promotions, including the UFC Bellator and PFL. However, her combat sports legacy extends beyond the cage—Cyborg has also ventured into the world of boxing, where she has found success and continues to build her name. She scored a first-round technical knockout against Kelsey Wickstrum, bringing her knockout tally to two. Since transitioning into boxing, Cyborg has continued to make waves in the sport. On the other hand, Claressa Shields, a three-division champion with an undefeated boxing record and just two knockouts, stands as a formidable opponent.

Cyborg recently fired back at Shields, who had criticized her as “inexperienced” in the boxing ring, responding with a powerful message of her own as the rivalry between the two fighters continues to heat up. Shields is a five-division world champion and has changed weight classes in her career. However, Cyborg expects her to climb down to 147 lbs from 160 lbs only if she wants to fight her. She said, “I am inexperienced in boxing but in just two fights, I have the same amount of knockouts as you. If the money [is] right there and if she makes 147. She [is] saying I can make 147. If she lose[s] that booty, she can make 147,”.

Do you think Shields will agree to a fight with Cyborg and make the weight? Or will the fight between the pair never happen at all? Who would you support in this showdown? Share your thoughts in the comments below!