Don’t get your hopes up on a potential showdown between Kayla Harrison and Claressa Shields.
Harrison (9-0), a two-time judoka Olympic gold medalist and 2019 PFL women’s lightweight champion, thinks it’s way too early to even consider Shields (0-0) a future dance partner for her in the cage.
Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in boxing and multiple time boxing champion, joined the PFL in late 2020 in efforts to transition from boxing to MMA. With a big name in the combat sports world, some, including PFL, are already pegging Shields as a potential foe for Harrison before she’s even made her MMA debut, which is scheduled for June 10.
“No, (I don’t view her as a potential opponent), I just view myself as a mentor more than anything at this point,” Harrison told MMA Junkie. “Like I think that’s a great business move for Claressa and PFL no matter what. But I agree, I think she’s very young in her career and I’m finally starting to get to that point where I’m not a veteran, but I got enough experience where a noobie probably shouldn’t be thrown against me unless they want to get them killed.”
Harrison isn’t trying to take a shot at Shields, she said. They’ve known each other since their Olympic days and are acquaintances, but Harrison just feels she’s too far into her MMA journey compared to Shields that is would be a mismatch.
Harrison is undefeated since turning pro in 2019, winning all nine of her bouts with seven finishes.
“I’m not trying to be disrespectful,” Harrison said. “What I mean is you wouldn’t put me at 0-0 with Amanda (Nunes) unless you’re trying to get me killed. It’s the same principle.”
Harrison is coming off a quick win, having dispatched Mariana Morais (16-11) in just 83-second at 2021 PFL 3 on Thursday. The ATT product already has a return date for her second 2021 PFL regular season bout.
“The date is June 25, but no opponent yet,” Harrison said. “I did tell them to give me somebody that won. I don’t want to fight somebody who hasn’t won, let’s go out there and beat these girls up. It doesn’t matter who they are. Anybody.”
Kayla Harrison doesn’t see Claressa Shields as potential foe: ‘She’s very young in her career’
