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 in opposition to 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 making an attempt a brand new sport, Marshall must cope with 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 return.
Nevertheless, Like many boxers earlier than her who tried their palms 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 manner again as much as her toes. That’s when she let her palms shine. Sharp punching combos put Vargas (1-3) in bother, however then Marshall skilled a number of laborious leg kicks that took her off her toes momentarily. Regardless, Marshall received again up, and continued with heavy ahead strain, refusing to let her opponent construct momentum.
Ultimately, 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 stated throughout her post-fight interview. “I’ve completely beloved it, however yeah, these MMA fighters – you’ve received to be slightly 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 need to compete within the cage at some point quickly.
Marshall’s final look within the boxing ring got here final July in opposition to Franchon Crews-Dezurn, who she defeated by a majority choice to win the undisputed tremendous middleweight title.
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