Claressa Shields, widely regarded as the “Greatest Woman of All Time” in boxing, has announced her retirement from mixed martial arts (MMA) today, May 19, 2025. The five-division boxing champion concluded her MMA journey with a record of 2-1, competing exclusively under the Professional Fighters League (PFL) banner over the past three years.
In her remarks to Ariel Helwani, Shields expressed her gratitude for the MMA experience but noted that the demanding training required for the sport made it difficult to maintain alongside her boxing career. “It takes six to eight months just to get ready to defend takedowns,” she explained. After sustaining multiple injuries, including two broken arms, Shields decided it was time to step back: “I had aspirations of becoming a PFL MMA world champion… but I just don’t have enough time.”
Shields initially made her MMA debut with a decisive stoppage victory over Brittney Elkin in June 2021, but faced challenges in her subsequent bouts, including a split decision loss to Abby Montes later that year. She concluded her MMA career with a split decision win over Kelsey DeSantis at the “PFL vs. Bellator” super card in February 2024.
While she will not face MMA legend Cris Cyborg in the cage, there remains potential for a boxing match between the two. Cyborg has increasingly participated in boxing events, and fans are left hoping for a future showdown in the ring.
Looking ahead, Shields is set to defend her undisputed Heavyweight title against Lani Daniels on July 26, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan. Her unwavering commitment to excellence in boxing underscores her status as a dominant force in the sport.
This retirement could pave the way for Shields to focus entirely on her boxing career, where she continues to shine as one of the most talented athletes in the field. Her journey reflects her determination to excel and her ability to transition between demanding sports, inspiring many in both boxing and MMA.