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NBA Star Damian Lillard, Shakur Stevenson, Lolo Jones, Amir Khan and Others Congratulate Claressa Shields Over Historic MMA Win in Saudi Arabia

Published 02/24/2024, 11:54 PM EST

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via Imago

Having won the Super-Welterweight and Middleweight undisputed titles in professional boxing, Claressa Shields successfully returned to PFL and resumed her career in MMA. While there were moments when Shields was taken down, ‘T-Rex’ managed her way up and displayed explosive boxing. Having landed clean and effective shots on Kelsey DeSantis, the 28-year-old won her third MMA fight.

Ahead of the fight against DeSantis, Claressa told the media she wanted to be a champion in the PFL and inspire women athletes. Well, with this victory, she has now inched closer to her dream. Simultaneously, the American fighter impressed several well-known entities including a Hollywood star, Olympic hurdler, and world champion boxers.

Claressa Shields impresses the elites with her SD win over Kelsey DeSantis

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With Kelsey DeSantis, 35, Claressa Shields, 28 went the distance of three five-minute rounds. While two judges scored the contest 29-28 in Shields’ favor, one gave the decision to DeSantis. As a result, ‘T-Rex’ won the fight via split decision. Following the victory, the 28-year-old told Dan Hardy that she had a very hard camp and “put a lot of hard work” to bear Kelsey down. Therefore, she thanked her team since they “pushed me so hard“.

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I want to thank the PFL. I had such a hard camp like it’s not easy what I’m trying to do. And I’ve been so respectful of the sport and I put a lot of hard work for this and I’m just gonna go back to the gym and work harder,” Shields promised, speaking to Hardy. Along these lines, Shields recounted DeSantis attempting an armbar in the fight.

But, I almost got my arm snapped in the freaking armbar. Had to fight out of that. I couldn’t quite figure it all the way out the third round,” said Shields. Anyway, Shields fought back. In the third round, ‘T-Rex’ took advantage of her boxing, put her opponent in a fix, and finally won the fight. Following Shields’ win, Shakur Stevenson took to Instagram stories and wrote, “Congrats champ @claressashields.”

Meanwhile, Damian Lillard shared a video of the scorecard announcement with two flexed bicep emojis.

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On the other hand, Amir Khan wrote, “LET’S GO CHAMP.”

Similarly, Olympic hurdler, Lolo Jones said, “LFGGGGG [let’s f***ing go] @claressashields.”

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Finally, actress Rosie Perez wrote, “Congratulations Champ! So proud of you!!!” Well, did you watch Claressa Shields fight Kelsey DeSantis? What impressed you about Claressa’s performance? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Samrat Sardar

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Arijit Saha