Claressa Shields finally returned to PFL to win her third MMA fight. Although her opponent Kelsey DeSantis was seven years older than ‘T-Rex’, the former fought intelligently and managed to take Shields down. That DeSantis entered the match having fought four fights inside the cage previously was on full display as she tackled and put Shields in a fix at one point in the fight.
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However, the 28-year-old stood her ground. Despite the pressure that DeSantis put on her, Claressa remained calm to overcome adversities. Likewise, when DeSantis almost trapped Claressa with an armbar, the boxer-turned-mixed-martial-artist patiently found her way out, leaving Amanda Serrano and fans impressed.
Two-time undisputed boxer, Claressa Shields fights back armbar in her PFL return
Early in the fight, Kelsey DeSantis took Claressa Shields down. Well, that was indeed praiseworthy. Since Shields was comfortable with boxing, DeSantis made a smart move by attempting a takedown. As expected, Shields struggled on the ground. However, the two-time Undisputed champion found her way back on her feet. Soon, ‘T-Rex’ decided to use her boxing skills and overwhelm her opponent inside the Smart Cage.
Shields manages to hold on and survive a submission attempt 👀 #PFLvsBellator Early Card👉 bit.ly/RiyadhEarlyCard
At one point, Shields threw a left jab and an overhand right to close the distance. Immediately, she then hit DeSantis with a couple of jabs and straight hands. Anyway, after DAZN posted the video of Shields surviving DeSantis’ armbar, several people positively reacted to it. Soon after Shields’ victory, fellow boxer Amanda Serrano took to X and congratulated Shields. Having been in the cage herself, Serrano declared it was “really hard going from Boxing to MMA“.
Congratulations to @Claressashields On her MMA win. She defended a tight armbar, had a few on the money Sprawls. I’ve been in that cage & it’s really hard going from Boxing to MMA. All MMA fighters come with some hand skills from their stand up striking but we as Boxers go Show more
In addition, Serrano reminded everyone that with no wrestling, kicking, or jiu-jutsu skills, boxers overcome significant difficulties when they cross over to MMA. On the other hand, a fan thought Claressa Shields’ determination was impressive:
Not gonna lie this was pretty impressive
Meanwhile, a fan thought Kelsey DeSantis did not make the adjustments she needed to finish Shields while on the ground.
claressa just laid there and somehow did get finished because the opponent miraculously didn’t adjust just let claressa lay there
On the other hand, a fan called Shields a warrior worthy of respect.
You're definitely a warrior, respect
Finally, an impressed fan called Claressa Shields a queen.
Very impressive Champ! Much success Queen…
With that being said, what did you think of Claressa Shields’ return to the PFL? Did she live up to everyone’s expectations? In your opinion, what was the most impressive aspect of her fighting? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
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