Savannah Marshall, the undisputed super middleweight champion in boxing and ESPN's No. 10 pound-for-pound fighter, has announced her decision to sign with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) for mixed martial arts (MMA) competition. Marshall, who has a record of 13-1 with 10 KOs in boxing, aims to compete in both MMA and boxing. She anticipates making her MMA debut in 2024.
Marshall expressed her interest in MMA after seeing the opportunities and treatment female fighters were receiving in the sport. She believes that joining the PFL, one of the biggest MMA organizations in the world, will take her profile to the next level and provide her with new challenges and opportunities.
While Marshall has only dabbled in MMA training so far, she is excited about learning a new combat sport from scratch. She acknowledges that there will be a learning curve, but the intrigue and excitement of entering a new discipline motivate her. Marshall has trained with UFC fighter Molly McCann and other MMA athletes, experiencing the unique challenges of grappling and submissions.
Marshall plans to prioritize boxing and build her MMA career around her boxing commitments. She recently underwent hand surgery due to an injury sustained in her last boxing match, which will delay her return to training in both sports. She is expected to return to competition in early 2024, focusing on both her boxing career and her upcoming MMA journey with the PFL.
Marshall's move to MMA opens the door to potential matchups with other top female fighters who have transitioned to the PFL, including Claressa Shields and Amanda Serrano. Marshall and Shields, who have a long-standing rivalry, could potentially meet in both boxing and MMA under the PFL banner.
Marshall's decision to explore MMA showcases the growing trend of female fighters venturing into multiple combat sports to expand their horizons and challenge themselves in new ways.