Cyborg Says Shields Quit MMA Because It Was 'Too Hard'

Cris Cyborg accused Claressa Shields of quitting mixed martial arts because it was too demanding, claiming the boxing champion retreated to the easier sport.

In an Oct. 27 social media post, Cyborg questioned why Shields had not advanced further in Brazilian jiu-jitsu since her 2021 MMA debut and pointed out that she herself had fought eight boxing matches while reigning as an MMA world champion — the same number Shields competed in after returning to boxing full-time. "Claressa quit MMA because it was too hard and went back to boxing," Cyborg wrote on X, per Sherdog. "She picks and chooses the easiest road possible."

Cyborg Predicts First-Round Finish In Potential MMA Matchup

The Brazilian fighter doubled down a day later, claiming she would defeat Shields in an MMA bout without throwing a single punch. Despite a weight gap — Cyborg fights at 145 pounds while Shields campaigns as high as 175 in boxing — Cyborg predicted a first-round stoppage.

The rivalry traces back to 2018, when Shields claimed she got the better of Cyborg during a sparring session. Both have discussed a potential boxing match, though Shields alleged in August that Cyborg turned down a $2 million offer to meet at 154 pounds. The two have yet to sign for a professional contest in either sport.

Shields made her MMA debut with the Professional Fighters League in 2021, compiling a 1-1 record before returning her focus to boxing. Cyborg, meanwhile, has held world titles across multiple MMA promotions and remains active in both sports.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Cris Cyborg says Claressa Shields quit MMA because it was 'too hard'