Cris Cyborg: Claressa Shields left MMA because it was too hard

Former MMA world champion Cris Cyborg said Claressa Shields left MMA and returned to boxing because the sport is very hard. Cyborg noted that Shields began her MMA career with her first fight in 2021.

According to Cyborg, Shields could be at purple or brown belt level in BJJ today. In her view, Shields, who has returned to boxing, is choosing the easiest path. Cyborg said that since returning to boxing, Shields has had only 8 boxing matches, the same number of boxing bouts Cyborg had while she was MMA world champion.

Cyborg also claimed she could beat Shields in an MMA bout without throwing a punch. Pointing to the difference between 145 and 175 pounds, Cyborg claimed Shields would still lose in the first round. Saying the fight would be ugly, Cyborg added that Shields may not fight again.

The report does not include a response from Shields to these remarks. Cyborg's words should be considered her personal opinions.