Wiz Khalifa is a big supporter of Claressa Shields’ transition from boxing to fighting MMA for the PFL.
As a member of the ownership group for the budding organization, the award-winning recording artist Khalifa keeps a close eye on the operations of the company and thinks the brand is the next big thing in MMA. He thinks the fact someone like Shields, who is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and multi-division boxing champion, signed with his promotion, is quite telling.
He’ll be watching Shields closely when she makes her debut on Thursday at 2021 PFL 6 against Brittney Elkin, and praised her courage for doing something few others have ever attempted.
“I love it,” Khalifa told Rolling Stone. “She’s a real fighter. She’s talented. She’s got hands, of course, but to go into MMA to learn different techniques and apply that same tenacity, she’s going to have some strong points. When she gets in there she’s going to be able to execute just based off her athleticism. She was an Olympic gold medalist, so when she comes in she’s coming in hard.”
Khalifa thinks Shields is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to seeing athletes from other sports coming to the PFL.
“Everybody is loving MMA,” Khalifa said. “There’s a lot to it when there’s time to cross over. You can do one thing, but it’s a different world (when you get there). It’s fun. Everybody loves it.”
Khalifa said he’s been happy with the PFL product so far in 2021 and sees this week’s event, which takes place at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, N.J., as one of the defining moments in company history due to Shields’ inclusion.
He said she’s not the only attraction PFL has to offer, though, and views the roster as the strongest it has ever been going into the back half of the regular season.
“I’m excited for everybody. I don’t want to call anybody out in particular, but I talk to them all on social media. I’m in contact with the fighters and the other owners and I’m excited to see how it develops and who is going to be out new champs this year.”
PFL part-owner Wiz Khalifa lauds Claressa Shields’ crossover from boxing to MMA