Claressa Shields Believes She Has “Potential to Be Champion” After First Three MMA Fights
For years, Claressa Shields has ruled the boxing world with unapologetic dominance. A two-time Olympic gold medalist and undisputed world champion in multiple weight classes, Shields has never lacked confidence. But after just three professional MMA fights, the self-proclaimed “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time) is now setting her sights on a new mountain — and she believes the summit is within reach.
“I definitely have the potential to be champion,” Shields said recently, reflecting on her early journey in mixed martial arts. It’s a bold claim — but then again, bold has always defined her career.
Transitioning from boxing to MMA is no small task. The sweet science focuses on hands, footwork, and defensive mastery above the waist. MMA, on the other hand, demands proficiency in wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kicks, submissions, and ground control — disciplines that can humble even elite strikers.
Shields entered the MMA world knowing she would be tested in areas outside her comfort zone. Her first three fights offered exactly that: moments of promise, flashes of power, and hard lessons learned.
While her world-class boxing translated immediately — her hand speed and combinations remain a major weapon — opponents quickly tried to drag her into grappling exchanges. It was there that Shields faced the steepest learning curve.
Yet instead of discouraging her, the challenges fueled her.
In those early bouts, fans saw a fighter evolving in real time. There were moments where Shields had to dig deep, defend takedowns, and survive on the mat. Each fight exposed gaps — but also revealed improvement.
Training relentlessly with wrestling coaches and jiu-jitsu specialists, Shields has embraced the grind. Insiders say her dedication mirrors the work ethic that made her a boxing superstar. She’s not dabbling in MMA for novelty; she’s chasing greatness.
“Every fight I’m getting better,” she explained. “I’m learning how to stay calm on the ground, how to use my strength differently, how to mix everything together.”
That blend — elite boxing paired with developing grappling skills — is what fuels her belief in championship potential.
The Power That Changes Fights
One thing that hasn’t changed is Shields’ power. Even in a sport filled with diverse skill sets, striking remains a fight-ending weapon. And few women in combat sports carry the punching authority that Shields does.
Opponents know that standing with her for too long can be dangerous. If she continues sharpening her takedown defense and submission awareness, she becomes exponentially more dangerous.
In MMA, evolution is everything. And Shields believes she’s evolving faster than critics expected.
Doubters and Determination
Of course, skepticism remains. Some critics argue that three fights are far too few to justify championship talk. Others question whether a boxer can truly master the complexities of MMA in a short time.
But doubters have followed Shields her entire career — from her Olympic days to her rise as undisputed champion in boxing. Each time, she answered them the same way: by winning.
Shields understands that becoming an MMA champion won’t happen overnight. The division is stacked with well-rounded fighters who’ve trained in multiple disciplines for years. But she’s playing the long game.
The goal isn’t just participation. It’s domination.
If her progression continues — tightening her ground defense, improving positional awareness, and integrating her striking seamlessly — the conversation around her championship ambitions could shift from hopeful to realistic.
For now, three fights in, Shields sees something others might miss: untapped potential.
And if her career has proven anything, it’s this — when Claressa Shields believes she can do something, she usually finds a way to make it happen.
