Claressa Shields

Date: 2021-03-16 | Duration: 2h 3m

Episode Overview

Claressa Shields discusses her transition from boxing to mixed martial arts, sharing candid insights about the challenges of adapting to a new combat sport. She talks about training at the renowned Jackson-Wink MMA gym, emphasizing the mental and physical demands of learning disciplines like kickboxing, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu. Shields reflects on the differences in fight preparation, sparring, and conditioning between boxing and MMA, highlighting her competitive drive and willingness to push herself beyond comfort zones to prove her versatility as a fighter. The conversation also delves into Shields’ experiences navigating the sports industry as a female athlete. She addresses the limited opportunities and recognition women’s boxing has historically faced, contrasting it with the growing visibility of female MMA fighters. Shields shares stories about managing expectations, handling criticism, and the importance of self-advocacy in a male-dominated environment. Additionally, she touches on her relationships with coaches and support staff, revealing how she balances focus and frustration during intense training periods. Throughout the episode, Shields offers thoughtful commentary on the business side of combat sports, including promotion, pay disparities, and the need for better marketing of women’s fights. Her reflections on legendary fighters and personal anecdotes provide a deeper understanding of her mindset as a champion constantly evolving and seeking new challenges.

About Claressa Shields

Claressa Shields is a groundbreaking professional boxer and two-time Olympic gold medalist, celebrated for her remarkable achievements in the ring. As the first fighter in boxing history to become an undisputed champion in two different weight divisions during the four-belt era, Shields holds multiple world championship titles, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the sport. Known for her fierce determination and unmatched skill, she has not only redefined women's boxing but has also become an inspiring figure advocating for equality in sports. Her journey from a challenging upbringing to the pinnacle of boxing excellence captivates fans and aspiring athletes alike, making her a compelling guest on the Joe Rogan Experience.

Key Moments

– Claressa Shields
– Professional Boxing
– Mixed Martial Arts
– MMA Training
– Strength and Conditioning
– Fight Promotion
– Women’s Combat Sports
– Mental Toughness
– Fight Strategy
– Sports Injuries
– Coaching and Mentorship
– Fight Weight Classes
– Boxing History
– Fight Records
– Athlete Nutrition
– Sports Psychology
– Fight Camps
– Social Media Impact
– Career Transition
– Fight Organizations
0:00:00 – Introduction to Claressa Shields and her boxing background
0:00:59 – Claressa's venture into MMA from boxing
0:02:50 – Importance of yoga and flexibility in MMA training
0:06:17 – Claressa discusses joining Jackson Wink MMA Academy
0:08:27 – Claressa talks about her physical prime and age in fighting
0:10:00 – Starting MMA training and frequency
0:14:11 – Claressa’s advanced technique compared to others
0:16:03 – Discussion on Leila Ali’s boxing career and retirement
0:19:06 – Dealing with injuries and skepticism from doctors
0:21:42 – Transition from American to Irish coaching with Billy Walsh
0:25:12 – Sparring experiences with older, experienced fighters
0:28:21 – Claressa’s deep understanding of her body
0:30:03 – Childhood discipline and family influence on fighting mindset
0:34:01 – Support system and assistant during fight camps
0:36:07 – Recovery methods including sauna and massage
0:38:31 – Philosophy: The way you do anything is the way you do everything
0:43:03 – Challenges fighters face with fan expectations and retirement
0:44:18 – Limited rivals and opportunities for women fighters
0:47:23 – Claressa’s mindset before defending her title
0:50:16 – Women’s boxing visibility and fan interest
0:52:18 – Attention disparity between female MMA and boxing fighters
0:55:28 – Need for equal promotion time for female fighters
0:57:16 – Claressa’s role beyond fighting in promoting the sport
1:00:52 – MMA organizations reaching out to Claressa
1:04:37 – Potential super fight combining boxing and MMA accolades
1:08:38 – Claressa’s plan to focus on MMA until first fight in June
1:11:30 – First impressions at Jackson Wink gym
1:14:15 – Claressa’s high-level body awareness and grappling potential
1:18:42 – Kickboxing sparring and adapting to MMA style
1:22:15 – Discussion on fight weight classes and pay disparities
1:25:13 – Strength training and cardio routines
1:28:56 – Simulation importance before cage fights
1:31:19 – Sleep and supplementation for recovery
1:36:25 – Post-training recovery with massage therapy
1:39:10 – Relationship challenges and mental focus
1:43:43 – Social media addiction and handling criticism
1:46:13 – Insights into fight promotion and Don King’s influence
1:48:13 – Claressa’s views on UFC and PFL organizations
1:53:35 – Chris Cyborg’s potential in boxing
1:59:24 – Claressa’s vision to elevate women’s combat sports

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 the joe rogan experience train by day joe rogan podcast by night all day Starting point is 00:00:59 in boxing but i'm venturing off off into MMA because I really want to see am I as great as I think I am. Starting point is 00:01:42 box all you girls up it's like I'm at Jackson Starting point is 00:02:26 I was able to kick high, but not for very long. Starting point is 00:02:50 yoga um really it was the MMA fans to be honest they're like you're gonna have to stretch and you Starting point is 00:03:39 more of a mental thing it is brutal for sure but one good thing about it is when you get that hot Starting point is 00:04:21 and he's one of the most flexible guys i've ever seen in my life oh insanely flexible but flexible everywhere his spine is flexible he can he can bend over Starting point is 00:05:06 Go to that one right there with the dude with the blue shorts right in front where he head kicks his dude. Starting point is 00:05:29 Just the bag, right? right yeah just the bag itself then when we went up to the pads i'm like coach do you got softer pads serious he's like champ these are my softest ones i'm like Starting point is 00:05:53 Head kicks. Starting point is 00:06:17 How did you get to Jackson Winklejohn? Starting point is 00:06:42 I may look like I'm a beast out there, but it have a lot of skill I may look like I'm a beast out there but it takes a lot Starting point is 00:07:07 you Starting point is 00:07:15 you can't Starting point is 00:07:23 I already had signed a contract Starting point is 00:07:48 Oh, boy. Starting point is 00:07:59 You're still... Starting point is 00:08:27 and my body isn't even in its prime. Starting point is 00:08:53 I was hoping it was 26. Starting point is 00:09:05 Is John Jones 22 or 23? He's the world title at 22. It's like, you can. Or was it 23? Was John Jones 22 or 23? Starting point is 00:09:16 Okay. Starting point is 00:09:33 So they understand their body better. Starting point is 00:10:00 so wh...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1619?

Claressa Shields was the guest on JRE #1619. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1619?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1619 with Claressa Shields, topics include Claressa Shields, Professional Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, and MMA Training.

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The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1619 with Claressa Shields is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.