Conor McGregor respects Claressa Shields as boxer is set to make MMA debut

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4 years ago

Conor McGregor reacts before taking on Donald Cerrone in their welterweight bout during UFC246 at T-Mobile Arena on January 18, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)

Claressa Shields will be making her MMA debut on the 10th of June, 2021

Shields has achieved boxing greatness in a very short span of time. The boxing world saw it coming when she became the first American boxer to win consecutive Olympic medals – Gold at both the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.

She turned pro in 2016, and just ran through her opponents as though they were made of Plaster of Paris. In just four years time, she became the champion in multiple weight divisions.

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)

With a record of 11 wins and no losses, the American is the woman to beat.

And now, she is all set to make her MMA debut next month. She will be taking on Brittney Elkin at PFL 4 on the 10th of June, next month.

Amidst talks of writing Shields off saying that she wouldn’t be that good in MMA, she recently hit back at the critics claiming that she had all that it takes to be champion and that she wasn’t scared or intimidated by MMA fighters.

Elsewhere, Conor McGregor who has been a fan of Shields’ exploits in the combat sports scene, Tweeted in support of the multiple-division champion.

The Irishman wrote:

“Respect this multi weight boxing world champion! Competing in her first MMA fight next month. A rare occurrence that is to be lauded with praise! Real courage a lot of her male counterparts do not possess. Good luck Clarissa! Another multi weight, multi sport savage! Welcome.”

Claressa Shields and Kayla Harrison now have one thing in common

Kayla Harrison is another surging female fighter who has been creating waves in the fight game. She made her MMA debut only three years ago against Brittney Elkin at PFL 2 (2018).

Claressa Shields (L) reacts against Christina Hammer (L) at Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall on April 13, 2019 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Harrison eased to a submission victory via. an armbar.

Coincidentally, Claressa Shields is set to take on the same opponent Harrison faced- Brittney Elkin. She will also be making her debut in the same month Harrison made her debut.

Shields will however be hoping that the result is also the same as Harrison’s, come June the 10th.