Claressa Shields has been banned from all future Most Valuable Promotions events following a physical altercation with Alycia Baumgardner during the promotion’s Rousey vs Carano MMA event in California.
The incident reportedly took place inside a private VIP area during MVP’s first MMA card, which featured Ronda Rousey defeating Gina Carano in 15 seconds.
What Happened Between Claressa Shields and Alycia Baumgardner?
Videos circulating online appear to show Shields and Baumgardner exchanging words before Shields reached toward Baumgardner during the confrontation.
Security quickly separated the two fighters.
Following the incident, MVP released a public statement announcing Shields’ immediate suspension from all company events.
“MVP maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for hostile, threatening, or aggressive behavior,” the promotion stated.
“Physical altercations outside the ring or cage are unacceptable in any MVP environment.”
The company added:
“Effective immediately, Claressa Shields is banned from all MVP events until further notice.”
What Did Alycia Baumgardner Say?
Baumgardner later described the incident as “unprovoked” and said the situation would continue to be handled legally and professionally.
“This behavior reflects a repeated pattern of hostility, chaos and attention-seeking conduct that continues to embarrass women’s sports,” Baumgardner said in a statement posted online.
What Did Claressa Shields Say?
Shields later claimed on social media that Baumgardner had physically threatened her before the altercation.
The undefeated multi-division champion has not announced any legal action publicly as of now.
Why the Ban Matters
The decision is significant because Most Valuable Promotions has become one of the biggest promotional forces in women’s boxing.
MVP currently works with several major female fighters, including Baumgardner, Mikaela Mayer and Amanda Serrano.
Shields, meanwhile, remains one of the most accomplished fighters in women’s boxing history as a two-time Olympic gold medalist and undisputed champion in multiple weight classes.
Could This Affect Claressa Shields’ Future Fights?
The ban could complicate future discussions involving MVP-affiliated fighters, especially because Baumgardner is signed directly with the promotion.
There has previously been public tension between Shields and Baumgardner surrounding a possible future fight, despite the large weight difference between the two champions.
Shields last fought in February when she defeated Franchón Crews-Dezurn to remain undisputed heavyweight champion.
