“GWOAT”, “Called it” – Pros react to Claressa Shields’ stunning stoppage victory on MMA debut

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Claressa Shields made a stunning start to her MMA career at PFL 4

‘The GWOAT’ Claressa Shields made a statement on her MMA debut as she earned a stunning third-round TKO victory over Brittney Elkin at PFL 4 (Professional Fighters League) last night.

Boxing great, Shields beat Marie-Eve Dicaire earlier this year in March to become the first and only boxer in history to hold four major world titles simultaneously in two weight classes.

Claressa Shields is at Jackson-Wink MMA gym
Claressa Shields works out during a pre fight media workout at the Downtown Boxing Gym on October 02, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Soon after her thorough domination, she expressed her desire to try her hand at mixed martial arts.

People weren’t particularly amused with the boxing champion taking the MMA plunge, when she first announced her decision. Many feared that she was risking her combat sports career.

However, an unfazed Shields proved her doubters and haters wrong earning a stunning knockout victory over Elkin, sending a stern message that she is ‘here to stay’.

At the post-fight interview, an elate Shields exclaimed:

“I feel like I’ve been dreaming. This is crazy.’

Here is how Twitter reacted to Shields’ victory on her MMA debut:

https://twitter.com/LaurenMurphyMMA/status/1403209039874461696

Claressa Shields made up for a poor start

In the first round of her fight against Elkin, Shields received some hefty blows from Elkin after gaining full mount.

It was only in the second round that Shields began asserting her authority over the lanky Elkin. Shields struck Elkin with a flurry of shots of her own.

And in the third round, Shields went berserk, unloading a barrage of shots on a grounded Elkin, even as the referee waved off the fight.

Hope this is a sign of many things to come for Claressa ‘GWOAT’ Shields!

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