Claressa Shields is getting a quick turnaround following her successful MMA debut.
Claressa Shields has her next fight under the Professional Fighters League (PFL) banner set. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and multi-division boxing champion turned mixed martial artist is scheduled to fight again at an upcoming PFL event set for Aug. 27 in Hollywood, Florida.
The news was first reported by MMA Journalist Ariel Helwani and later confirmed by other media outlets. Per the report, the opponent for Shields is yet to be determined.
Claressa Shields’ second pro MMA fight for PFL is set for Aug. 27, per promotion officials. Opponent TBD. Shields will not box between now and then.
Coincidentally, if Kayla Harrison wins on Friday and advances to the playoffs, her next fight is also scheduled for that card.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 22, 2021
Shields made her highly anticipated professional and promotional debut just two weeks ago at PFL 4, where she met Brittney Elkins in the main event of the card. She did have some struggles in the opening rounds as Elkins opted for a more grappling-heavy attack against the novice, but Shields remained calm through the adversity and continued to defend herself.
Shields tagged Elkins with a few right hands that stunned her early in the third round. Elkins tried to go for a takedown, but it was stuffed by Shields and she was able to get in a position that saw her deliver heavy ground-and-pound that eventually brought the fight to an end. Shields was declared the victor by third-round technical knockout and her first foray into MMA was deemed successful.
Shields now looks to keep the momentum going and her undefeated record in tact when she returns to the PFL cage in two months. The report from Helwani also states that Shields will not be boxing in the meantime, so all of her focus will be on her next fight. She confirmed this on her social media account as well.
The event on Aug. 27 will be featuring the semifinal fights of the heavyweight and women’s lightweight divisions.