Claressa Shields, a 28-year-old boxing sensation with a remarkable 14-0 record in boxing, added another chapter to her versatile career by returning to professional MMA.
Her split decision win against Kelsey De Santis at the PFL vs Bellator event in Saudi Arabia solidified her position in the MMA world, bringing her professional MMA record to 2-1.
Shields’ journey in MMA took a brief pause after a rare loss to Abigail Montes in October 2021. Her triumphant return not only showcased her resilience but also contributed to the historic nature of the first professional female MMA bout held in Saudi Arabia. Shields, in her post-fight reflection, expressed the challenges of her demanding training camp, adding a human element to her athletic prowess.
On the other side of the cage, Kelsey De Santis played a crucial role in this historic matchup. While not as widely known as Shields, De Santis is a significant figure in her own right. Her background includes being a former Marine and a pioneer in women’s MMA. De Santis’ achievements extend beyond the confines of the cage, as she has been a vocal advocate for gender equality and the empowerment of women in combat sports.
The bout with Shields showcased De Santis’ skills and determination, even in the face of a split decision loss. Her presence on the international stage contributes to the broader narrative of female empowerment in sports, breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes.
Kelsey De Santis, a former Marine and trailblazer in women’s MMA, showcased resilience and determination in her historic bout against Claressa Shields in Saudi Arabia. While not as widely recognized as Shields, De Santis’ background extends beyond the cage, as she advocates for gender equality and women’s empowerment in combat sports. As a key figure in breaking barriers, her presence on the international stage highlights the evolving landscape for female athletes. Despite a split decision loss, De Santis leaves an indelible mark, contributing to the broader narrative of women making strides in traditionally male-dominated sports.
The significance of hosting such an event in Saudi Arabia cannot be understated. The country’s investment in sports, from golf with the LIV Golf tour to soccer with the Saudi Pro League, reflects a commitment to becoming a global sports hub. However, this extravagant spending has not been without controversy.
Critics have labeled Saudi Arabia’s involvement in sports as “sportswashing,” a term used to describe the use of sports to divert attention from a country’s human rights record. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, unfazed by the criticism, openly acknowledged his perspective on the matter in a Fox News interview in September 2023. He stated that if “sportswashing” contributes to increasing the country’s GDP, he sees it as a worthwhile endeavor.
In conclusion, Claressa Shields’ victory over Kelsey De Santis in the first professional female MMA bout in Saudi Arabia marks a historic moment for women in sports within the kingdom. The lavish spending on sports, while drawing attention to Saudi Arabia as a global sports destination, also invites scrutiny and debate regarding the motivations behind such investments. As female MMA fighters gain prominence in Saudi Arabia, the narrative of empowerment and breaking barriers continues to evolve, creating a lasting impact on the sports landscape in the region.
