Undisputed boxing champion Savannah Marshall can now name herself an undefeated skilled combined martial artist.
In the principle occasion of 2024 PFL Europe 2, Marshall made her MMA debut towards Mirela Vargas at Utilita Enviornment in Newcastle, England, in a 160-pound catchweight bout. As anticipated, Marshall (1-0) displayed stunning hanging, resulting in a first-round TKO at 4:27. But, it wasn’t with out a few challenges.
Coming in as a high-level boxer trying a brand new sport, Marshall must take care of kicks and takedowns, amongst different apparent challenges. Coaching with UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, who was in her nook for the combat, helped put together her for what was to come back.
Nevertheless, Like many boxers earlier than her who tried their arms within the MMA cage, Marshall discovered herself on her again early within the combat.
“The Silent Murderer” remained calm when the combat hit the bottom, and technically labored her means again as much as her ft. That’s when she let her arms shine. Sharp punching combos put Vargas (1-3) in hassle, however then Marshall skilled a number of onerous leg kicks that took her off her ft momentarily. Regardless, Marshall acquired again up, and continued with heavy ahead strain, refusing to let her opponent construct momentum.
Finally, after one other takedown sequence, Vargas was rendered to nothing greater than a defensive shell as Marshall unloaded livid punch combos. The referee gave Vargas loads of alternative to reply earlier than waving the combat off.
Savannah Marshall swarms to wins her MMA debut by first-round TKO at #PFLNewcastle, then Claressa Shields entered the cage.
🎥 @PFLEurope pic.twitter.com/SBlrt9Plhj
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) June 8, 2024
“I’ve solely been doing this for 9 months,” Marshall mentioned throughout her post-fight interview. “I’ve completely cherished it, however yeah, these MMA fighters – you’ve acquired to be a little bit bit loopy to do that.”
Marshall then shared a second with Claressa Shields, who defeated her within the boxing ring in 2022. Shields is one other boxing champion who has begun dabbling in MMA, and the pair expressed their want to compete within the cage at some point quickly.
Marshall’s final look within the boxing ring got here final July towards Franchon Crews-Dezurn, who she defeated by a majority choice to win the undisputed tremendous middleweight title.
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