Claressa Shields is determined to bring her boxing prowess to MMA as she prepares for her Professional Fighters League debut.
Shields is the first fighter to become the undisputed champion in two divisions since the introduction of four belts. She also holds two gold medals from successive Olympics. The two-time Olympic gold medalist has started her training at Jackson-Wink MMA in New Mexico ahead of her MMA debut that is likely to occur in June.
"I am mixing the disciplines to see what makes me comfortable in becoming a great fighter in MMA," Shields told Sky Sports. "It's all the same mind-set."
When Shields announced that she'd signed with PFL, skepticism came about quickly. People feel Shields doesn't need to participate in MMA and will be remorseful that she decided to pursue another sport.
"Regrets?," Shields exclaimed. "I've never regretted anything in my life. I've been making decisions for my life since I was 12 years old. I am a natural super-athlete, and I learn things very quick. I've never had a day in training where the coach says: 'You did terribly'.
"They are amazed by how much I can consume in one day, how much I can work, work, work. If I don't understand something, I have no problem asking. I thought that wrestling would be the hardest thing, but it's all been a joy. It all makes sense to me. It's still a fight. I just have to stand a little bit differently. It's about your mind being able to switch from standing to being on the ground, from hands to elbows. I am a fast thinker."
Shields poses a danger with her fists, but she is working on building out the rest of her game.
"We are working on stopping the takedown. But I should be great at everything," she said. "Afraid to be taken down? They should be afraid of me taking them down. I won't be a defensive fighter. That's my attitude."