n 2024, there’s no bolder move in women’s boxing than this: Savannah Marshall is stepping into the MMA cage. No tune-up, no time to coast — she’s going straight after Claressa Shields, the woman she lost to in the ring, on Shields’ turf.
It’s brave. It’s risky. And depending on how it goes… it could be a masterstroke — or a total disaster.
Savannah Marshall Ditches the Ring for the Cage
This isn’t a cash grab or a gimmick. Savannah Marshall has signed with the PFL to make her professional MMA debut, targeting a rematch with Shields — only this time, it’s elbows, kicks, and takedowns on the menu.
We’re not talking about novelty crossovers here. Marshall’s putting her unbeaten MMA record (0-0, for now) against someone who’s already gone through the fire. Claressa Shields has two MMA bouts under her belt and has been training seriously at Jackson Wink MMA Academy.
Is Marshall ready for that? Maybe not. But she’s stepping up anyway — and that deserves some credit.
Why Is She Doing This?
Simple. There’s no one left in boxing.
After beating Franchón Crews-Dezurn to become undisputed at 168, Savannah Marshall didn’t have many fresh matchups left. The Shields rematch made sense on paper, but a return to the ring would’ve been more of the same — talk, jabs, judges.
This changes everything. This time, it’s not just about boxing skill — it’s about who’s willing to get uncomfortable. And let’s face it, Shields has never made Marshall comfortable.
Claressa Shields Has the MMA Edge… For Now
Make no mistake, Shields has the advantage in the cage. She’s already tasted blood, felt the kicks, survived the clinch wars. Marshall hasn’t.
But Savannah’s no fool. She’s training for this. And her size, range, and distance control could frustrate Shields under the right conditions — especially if she keeps the fight standing.
As PFL’s own hype machine at loves to remind us, this could be one of the biggest female crossover fights they’ve ever promoted.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just another headline. This is real.
Savannah Marshall’s MMA debut against Claressa Shields isn’t just a chapter in a rivalry — it’s a gamble on legacy. It’s also a challenge to the limits of what fighters are “meant” to do. In a sport dominated by comfort zones and careful matchmaking, Marshall is jumping into chaos.
And we’re here for it.
Great article.