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Claressa Shields plans September 2020 MMA debut: ‘The women get more respect’

Undefeated boxer Claressa Shields is ready to change lanes.

The 9-0 professional boxer and two-time Olympic gold medalist has previously shown little interest in competing in mixed martial arts, but all that has changed. Shields reacted to a headline about Scott Coker wanting her in Bellator. Shields, 24, said she would consider joining the promotion at lightweight.

Michael Woods of Bad Left Hook reached out to Shields. The pro-boxer said she was, in fact, serious about competing in MMA.

“Yeah, debuting September of next year,” Shields said. “I’ve done some wrestling training, going to start my BJJ next month and learn some kicks.