PFL will still support a second Claressa Shields vs Savannah Marshall fight, this time in MMA.
With a plethora of talent at his fingertips following the acquisition of Bellator MMA, chairman Donn Davis is hungry to make as many high-profile matchups as he can with a hybrid of traditional martial artists and those with world-level boxing backgrounds.
The rematch of two of the biggest names in women's boxing is one of many potential avenues.
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"It's hard to top 2024, it was our biggest year in PFL ever. But 2025 we'll do bigger fights, more fights, and we're going to make sure we do it," Davis told Sky Sports.
"I think it would be interesting to see Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall in MMA."
With the pair only novices to the sport of mixed martial arts, only having four professional bouts combined inside the SmartCage, there may be limitations to a potential second fight.
"I'm very realistic, I thought it [Marshall's debut] was ok. I think it would be interesting because both of their debuts were only ok. I'd like to see two of them work a little bit harder on their craft and then fight each other," Davis said.
"They're so accomplished in boxing, and it takes so much out of you to learn another discipline. Will both do that? Will both fight in MMA? I don't know, that's up to them, but I'd love it. I think it would be great for them, great for the sport and we're here to help facilitate that."
With the rise of the crossover in combat sports, some of the best fighters in the world are taking on new challenges.
"With due respect to Amanda Serrano but I think Claressa is the best," Davis said.
"How much time do you take away from that success to really get better at MMA? It has to be such a fire to do that, and I think at times she has that fire, but boxing draws her back."
A heavyweight rivalry
Shields is fighting Danielle Perkins for the WBC, WBO and IBF heavyweight championships on February 2.
Marshall expects Shields to win that bout and would also welcome a heavyweight title fight with her great rival.
"Size-wise, I'm probably the biggest out there anyway, height, frame-wise. The pool's so shallow, with competition. I could carry light-heavy, heavyweight. It's not really an issue," Marshall previously told Sky Sports.
She believes boxing Shields at heavyweight could give her advantages. Marshall added: "I am [bigger than her]. And hopefully it will slow her down a bit! So that's a plus.
"It's the biggest fight out there for us both."
