Boxing champion Claressa Shields has been facing criticism from fellow fighter Cris Cyborg who accused her of struggling to make weight for her MMA fight. The Professional Fighters League (PFL) and Bellator MMA merged for the first time, hosting a combined event called PFL vs. Bellator: Champs, on February 24th. Cyborg’s remarks about Shields in the lead-up to her match as well as post her win further fueled the already-ignited rivalry between the two.

According to Cyborg, the fight against Kelsey DeSantis was initially scheduled as a women’s lightweight bout at 155 lbs, but since Shields failed to make the weight, the fight then had to be pushed to a catchweight of 165 lbs. “Just heard Claressa Shields had to move her fight… because she can’t make the weight limit,” wrote Cyborg on X. This understandably left Shields infuriated who refused to take it lying down.

Claressa Shields claims she weighed in lower than her opponent

Claressa Shields wasted no time addressing Cris Cyborg’s criticism after her recent victory. In a fiery post-fight interview, Shields declared, “I don’t give a damn about Cris Cyborg. She can’t beat me in a fight. She can’t beat me in boxing.“

Furthermore, she accused Cyborg of being upset over her fight with Larissa Pacheco, the PFL champion, falling out. Shields’ frustration was evident as she continued, “But Cris Cyborg is mad because she turned down a fight…because she’s supposed to be fighting here.“

Trending

Canelo Alvarez Sums Up Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia Rematch in Four Words

May 01, 2024 02:25 PM EDT

Terence Crawford Responds to Kendrick Lamar’s Drake Diss Track With Bold Declaration

May 02, 2024 03:35 PM EDT

Derrick James Reveals Real Culprit Behind Devin Haney’s Swollen Face; It’s Not Ryan Garcia’s Left Hook

May 01, 2024 11:28 PM EDT

“He’s Not Stuck in Dubai”: Floyd Mayweather’s $30,000 Act of Kindness Towards Homeless Men in LA Raises Questions About Gervonta Davis’ Bombshell Claim

May 03, 2024 06:58 AM EDT

“It’s Just Too Much for Me”: Jermall Charlo Contemplates Retirement as Rivalry With Caleb Plant Reaches Boiling Point

May 01, 2024 04:02 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Boxing stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

However, her anger didn’t subside from just this. Later on, the undisputed champion took to Twitter to threaten Cyborg with potential legal consequences if she continued making such accusations. She wrote, “I know if @criscyborg you don’t want to get sued you better stop lying Goofy a** bum. I didn’t miss weight you clown ssa b%>€ the fight was at a catch weight 165 & I weighed in at 164.4 lower than my opponent.” 

Shields claimed that the fight was a catchweight and she even weighed lower than her opponent which means there is no substance to the allegations that Cyborg is making against her. That aside, she also shared her gratitude for the victory.

GWOAT claims historic MMA win in Saudi Arabia

Claressa Shields, the boxing champion known for her grit, has added another accomplishment to her career. At 28, she stepped into the MMA ring in Saudi Arabia and emerged victorious in a hard-fought battle.

Shields’ win over Kelsey De Santis came via a close split decision. “I had such a hard camp,” she admitted, reflecting on the experience. She added, “I almost got my arm snapped in the freakin’ armbar. I had to fight out of that.“

Claressa Shields Challenges Cris Cyborg to Come Knock Her Out at 154

The journey wasn’t easy. Shields also revealed the many moments of doubt and struggle. “There was days in camp where I was literally in tears,” she confessed. However, her unwavering spirit propelled her forward.

This win, improving her MMA record to 2-1, stands as a testament to Shields’ determination and her ability to excel in different areas of combat sports. What do you think about Cyborg’s remarks? Do share your thoughts about the situation in the comments below.

Read More: Claressa Shields Gives Three Ultimatums to Alycia Baumgardner to Make the Fight Happen: “Y’all Don’t Tell Me What to Do”