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Boxing sensation Claressa Shields has set her sights on a potential showdown with MMA icon Cris Cyborg in the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Shields, whose recent signing with the PFL was among several significant moves made by the organization this year, sees Cyborg as her dream opponent in the MMA promotion.
Earlier this year, the PFL made waves in the combat sports world with its acquisition of Bellator, signaling significant developments in the industry. While the PFL intends to maintain Bellator as a separate entity, rumors have circulated about potential fighter crossovers, including the possibility of athletes like Cyborg making a move to the PFL.
Despite being relatively new to MMA with a record of 1 win and 1 loss, Shields expressed her admiration for Cyborg in a recent interview.
"The fight that I see – it’s the scariest fight for me in MMA – would be me vs. Cris Cyborg," Shields stated. "She’s a GOAT in MMA, and I’m a GOAT in boxing, and we both have multiple world titles in our field."
Shields emphasized her respect for Cyborg's skills, considering her to be the most formidable opponent among potential matchups in the PFL. While Shields acknowledged the talent of other fighters like Kayla Harrison and Larissa Pacheco, she singled out Cyborg as the ultimate challenge.
In the event that a matchup with Cyborg in the PFL doesn't materialize, Shields has left the door open for a potential boxing bout with Cyborg, who is scheduled to return to the ring in January against Kelsey Wickstrum. While Shields has yet to confirm her next move in either boxing or MMA, her interest in facing Cyborg has added a new dimension of excitement to the combat sports landscape.