Claressa Shields is back in the winning column after defeating Kelsey DeSantis at the PFL vs. Bellator Champs in Saudi Arabia this weekend. However, it was a narrow escape from a loss after the boxer/MMA fighter won via a split decision. According to the fighter, she “almost” experienced a snapped arm during the fight due to an armbar.
The decision is not entirely surprising as both fighters made their respective moments during the bouts. In the first round, Shields entered the cage strong by sending an overhand right and a combination immediately. However, DeSantis managed to deliver several takedowns across the different rounds, albeit the opponent was able to survive and escape them. By the third round, DeSantis had full control through a full mount on the boxer, but the bell saved Shields.
De Santis gets Shields down with plenty of time!#PFLvsBellator LIVE NOW
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In the end, the victory was given to Shields, who now has a 2-1 record in her MMA career. Despite ending the fight with a split decision, the fighter is appreciative of her win, admitting that the transition to MMA is a challenge.
“I had such a hard camp,” shared Shields in her post-fight interview inside the cage. “It’s not easy what I’m trying to do [juggling boxing and MMA], and I’ve been so respectful of the sport. I put in a lot of hard work for this, and I’m gonna go back to the gym and work harder. I almost got my arm snapped in the freakin’ armbar and had to get out of that.”
It is unknown what will be next for Shields, but talks about a boxing match against Cris Cyborg has been going on for a while now. Recently, the two even tried to negotiate the weight of the bout in an unofficial meeting, but no agreement was reached.
