The former boxing and Olympic champion overcame a slow start to capture her first MMA victory.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Claressa Shields found herself pinned on her back, stuck against a cage and she absorbed so many strikes to the head that the undefeated boxer seemed on the brink of defeat in MMA. “I could have went home with an L like that,” Shields said. So, she dug deep in her debut for the fortitude that took her from Flint, Michigan, to Olympic gold — twice — and then a pro career that made her the most decorated fighter of her time. “I got myself going with those big right hands,” she said. “My right hand has never failed me.” From the squared circle to the cage, Shields had her mighty hand take over — and had it raised in victory. Shields made short work of Brittney Elkin, and the mixed martial arts novice proved she might have a future in the sport with a TKO win on Thursday night in the main event of a Professional Fighters League card. “I’m not losing this fight,” the undefeated boxer said. Shields proved in her 155-pound lightweight fight she’s just as adept at unleashing a beating in mixed martial arts. She shook off a slow first two rounds before she got Elkin on the ground and needed a few heavy shots to cause the decisive damage. She earned the win with a right hand from the top at 1:44 of the third round. “I feel like I am dreaming. This is crazy,” she said. Shields ditched some of the flamboyant costumes she’s worn in boxing (where she’s 11-0) for straight red trunks and top. She still wore her hair in a blue ponytail to raise awareness to the clean water fight that’s gone on for years in her Michigan hometown.
