Nunes' trash talk drove Shields to MMA

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Nunes lit the fuse

Boxing star Claressa Shields has revealed that trash talk from Amanda Nunes played a pivotal role in her decision to step into the world of mixed martial arts. Nunes - widely regarded as one of the greatest female MMA fighters of all time - challenged Shields to try her hand in the cage, and Shields took the bait.

A rocky start in the cage

Shields entered MMA in June 2021 and wasted no time making an impression, stopping Brittney Elkins by technical knockout on debut. Her second outing proved far tougher, however, as she dropped a split decision to Abigail Montes. She has not fought in MMA since that setback, as Sherdog reports.

Return booked for Riyadh

Now Shields is gearing up for a comeback. She faces Kelsey DeSantis on 24 February in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, eager to get back in the win column and build towards a shot at the PFL Championship.