Savannah Marshall’s is set to headline PFL Newcastle on June 8, 2024 in her hometown of Newcastle, England in what will be her mixed martial arts (MMA) debut. Professional Fighters League (PFL) recently announced that Marshall will headline the event in a Lightweight fight opposite Mirela Vargas.
Marshall, who is the current WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring female Super-Middleweight boxing champion, says the transition into MMA hasn’t been easy, but reiterates that she enjoys the process.
“Training has been hard, real hard. It’s been a massive change but one I’ve really enjoyed. I’m enjoying learning new skills and enjoying the adjustments I’ve made from being a boxer,” she said during a recent media conference call. “I’ve been doing it for about nine months now and I’m really excited. This is a chapter I never thought I would have so this is all a bit of a bonus for me.”
Marshall — who has a record of 13-1 and 10 knockouts — says headlining an event in her debut in her very own hometown is something she doesn’t take for granted.
“It’s been amazing for me. I am extremely grateful for the PFL for giving me this opportunity. I remember a couple of months ago when they were talking about my debut and I remember saying I don’t mind fighting abroad or in someone else’s backyard. But they offered Newcastle, and I thought, wow, what an honor. I’ve headlined the Utilita Arena three or four times now as a boxer, and to headline it in my mixed martial arts debut is a dream come true.”
Marshall’s lone loss in boxing came against Claressa Shields, who is 2-1 inside the PFL Smart Cage. Always looking to learn from other people, “The Silent Assassin” says even though she is going to do her own thing, her own style in the cage, she can’t help but to notice where Shields has struggled.
“I’ve seen Claressa Shields’ fights in the cage, and I can see how she might struggle with certain things, and obviously, what would benefit me in the boxing ring doesn’t really benefit me in MMA. I’m talking about stance-wise, and I had to really change how I stand,” she added.
“I have never really taken anything from any of the girls fighting in the PFL because everyone is different, and I am going to adapt differently. Like I said, all I can take from Claressa’s fight is that I can point out what she struggled with.”
PFL Newcastle will also feature a Lightweight co-main event between Kane Mousah (14-6) and Dylan Tuke (7-4).
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