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Cris Cyborg has been angling for a showdown versus Claressa Shields for a long time.
Though the two are actually former training partners, negotiations for a fight started out cordial. However, when Cyborg wanted Shields to drop down to 147-pounds, the undefeated boxer lost interest and moved on. Since then, Cyborg has won more boxing matches and increased her calls for a high-profile showdown, particularly in the Professional Fighter’s League (PFL) smart cage, where Shields currently holds a 2-1 pro MMA record.
On Thursday, news broke that Shields failed a drug test for marijuana leading up to her one-sided beatdown of Danielle Perkins earlier this month (Feb. 2, 2025). Subsequently, she’s listed on BoxRec as “suspended by Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission indefinitely,” so her immediate boxing future is unclear.
Cyborg has a suggestion in the interim: an MMA fight! Reacting to the failed drug test, the Brazilian champion renewed calls for a PFL bout versus the “GWOAT.”
“If she did not inhale does she still lose all the belts?” Cyborg pondered on X. She also linked her own website, TheGWOATClaressa.com, which labels Shields the “ducking champion” and “goofiest woman of all time” alongside in-depth descriptions of her problems in securing a bout versus Shields.
Perhaps this failed drug test — something Cyborg can relate to — will indeed lead Shields down the path to a Cyborg booking. Whether in MMA or boxing, Shields vs. Cyborg feels like the most lucrative fight possible for either woman … unless Jake Paul gets extremely desperate.
Insomnia
Romance is in the air.
The real news here (to me at least) is that Arman Tsarukyan is working with Jason Parillo. How long has that been going on?
Lanky Lightweights who throw with big power collide!
The Heavyweight division is in truly abysmal shape right now. Tai Tuivasa has lost five in a row and is still No. 10!
Jared Gordon has to be among the most snake-bitten UFC fighters between cancellations, Bobby Green head butt, and Paddy Pimblett robbery.
I made weight, felt great, other guy had some issues, wish I could perform for everyone, sorry!
— Jared Gordon (@JFlashGordonMMA) February 14, 2025
World class wrestling rivalry moving into the Octagon is a pretty neat concept.
I’m reminded of the old adage about not judging a fish on its ability to fly .
Slips, rips, and KO clips
The knee sounded like it landed but didn’t end up mattering one bit …
Menshikov throwing absolute bombs here!
Using the K guard to off-balance/threaten the invert and then attack the arm instead:
Random Land
A quick chat.
Midnight Music: Soul, 1971
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.
This story originally appeared on MMA Mania
