Gearing For MMA Debut, Claressa Shields Receives Advice From Prominent UFC Star

KEY POINTS

Conor McGregor is excited to see Claressa Shields in the cage
Shields told to focus on building up lower extremities
McGregor is preparing for a return against Dustin Poirier in January

Claressa Shields etched her name in the world of boxing, winning two Olympic gold medals that clearly makes her a promising big name to watch.

But it appears the 25-year-old Michigan native has not been given the proper recognition and financial reward for her accomplishments.

Hence, Shields is taking her act to the mixed martial arts (MMA) scene and the impact is expected to be huge. However, she will have to start everything from scratch.

She is already doing that at the Jackson-Wink MMA Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico where well-known MMA athletes are training. This includes Holly Holm and Jon Jones.

Aside from that, she is getting some more backing. Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor gave some technical advice to the undefeated boxer, something rare from the Irishman.

“Teach her balancing on the single-leg first,” McGregor wrote on Instagram. “Warm-up and warm-down for every session. Pick the single-leg and move her around. Elevate the leg high. Push her back with it. Lower it forward etc, etc.”

McGregor went into detail with his unsolicited advice that should go a long way. Without question, "The Notorious" is excited to see Shields set foot inside the cage.

“Get her real cozy [sic] hopping on that single-leg! Improve her hamstring flexibility as well as balancing ability. Crucial going forward,” he further stated.

Considering Shields has already proven herself as far as trading punches, the unbeaten pugilist knows that this alone won’t make the cut. She will need to focus on other facets of the game.

Meanwhile, McGregor will lock horns with Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 slated to happen on Jan. 23. It will be a rematch between the two fighters who first faced off at UFC 178 in 2014. The former won that match via TKO in the first round.

Though Poirier is looking for payback, the clash will equally be important to McGregor. A win could propel him to a world title shot.

Aside from that, it could gauge his chances against Manny Pacquiao. The two sports icons are expected to duke it out in the boxing ring sometime in 2021.