Claressa Shields’ Historic MMA Victory in Saudi Arabia: Triumph of Will
In the world of combat sports, few moments resonate with the echo of breaking barriers quite like Claressa Shields’ recent victory in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. By securing a split decision win over Kelsey De Santis, Shields not only marked her second triumph in the realm of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) but also etched her name into the annals of history as part of the first professional MMA bout in the kingdom featuring two women.
Journey of Resilience
Shields, already an undisputed boxing world champion with titles across three weight classes, faced a monumental challenge transitioning to MMA. “There were days in camp where I was literally in tears. I didn’t want to go back because it was so hard,” Shields confessed, revealing the emotional toll of preparing for this groundbreaking fight. Her journey, characterized by persistence and an unwavering spirit, underscores the remarkable resilience required to excel across different combat sports disciplines.
That stare from @Claressashields though 🥶️#PFLvsBellator Early Card👉 https://t.co/73VqXRgCY5 pic.twitter.com/I8H1IQpQVP
— DAZN MMA (@daznmma) February 24, 2024
Breaking Ground
This event, held under the banner of the Professional Fighters League’s champion versus champion event, symbolizes more than just a personal victory for Shields; it represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing narrative of women’s rights in Saudi Arabia. Despite significant strides in recent reforms, the kingdom’s track record on women’s rights continues to draw scrutiny. Shields’ fight, coming 18 months after the first female boxers competed in a pro fight in Saudi Arabia, shines a light on the evolving landscape of sports in the region, amidst ongoing debates about sports washing and the use of high-profile events to shift attention from longstanding reputation issues.
Test of Skill and Spirit
For Shields, stepping back into the MMA cage was a test of both skill and spirit. Despite a strong start from De Santis, aiming to exploit Shields’ relative inexperience on the ground, the boxer’s striking prowess in the early rounds swayed the judges, demonstrating her adaptability and respect for the sport. “It has been such a hard camp. It’s not easy what I’m trying to do. I’ve been so respectful of the sport and I put in a lot of work,” Shields reflected on her preparation and performance.
Beyond The Ring
Shields’ foray into MMA, following in the footsteps of athletes like former UFC champion Holly Holm, places her in a rare echelon of boxers who have ventured beyond the confines of the ring. Undefeated in 14 professional boxing matches, Shields’ ambition and achievements across combat sports underscore her status as one of the greatest female boxers, if not the greatest, of all time.
In Riyadh, Shields did more than win a fight; she challenged norms, crossed boundaries, and showcased the indomitable spirit of a champion, paving the way for future generations of female athletes in combat sports.
