Savannah Marshall's MMA Debut & Shields Showdown
British boxing sensation Savannah Marshall is gearing up for a monumental shift in her career as she prepares to step into the mixed martial arts (MMA) arena. The undisputed super-middleweight champion made her professional MMA debut against Mirela Vargas at PFL Europe in Newcastle on June 8th. Marshall, who has been absent from competition since unifying the super-middleweight division last July, sees MMA as a fresh challenge she has longed for in her boxing journey.
Entering Uncharted Territory:
At 33 years old, Marshall is venturing into uncharted territory, swapping the familiar ropes of the boxing ring for the dynamic environment of the MMA cage. Expressing her excitement for the new chapter, Marshall emphasized that MMA brings a new checklist of goals and an element of the unknown that has rejuvenated her passion for competition.
A Shift in Focus:
Having dedicated herself to boxing, Marshall acknowledges that the transition to MMA has been arduous but rewarding. With approximately nine months of MMA training under her belt, she has embraced the grappling aspect of the sport, finding it particularly enjoyable. Marshall's training regimen has been intense, with UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall among those guiding her through the transition.
Motivation and Rivalry:
One of Marshall's primary motivations for delving into MMA is the prospect of a long-awaited showdown with her boxing rival, Claressa Shields. Although Marshall bested Shields in amateur competition, she suffered a defeat to her in their professional encounter for the undisputed middleweight belts in 2022. With both fighters now under contract with the PFL, Marshall sees MMA as a potential avenue to settle the score with Shields.
Eyeing the Prize:
Assessing Shields' performances in the cage, Marshall believes that the transition to MMA poses unique challenges for both fighters. She acknowledges the need to adapt her stance and techniques to excel in the multifaceted realm of MMA. Marshall remains focused on her debut against Vargas but has her sights set on a future clash with Shields, aiming to leverage her newfound skills and capitalize on her rival's perceived weaknesses in the cage.
