Most Valuable Promotions announced Monday that undisputed women’s heavyweight champion Claressa Shields has been banned from all future MVP events following a physical altercation with Alycia Baumgardner during MVP MMA 1 over the weekend.
The incident reportedly took place inside a VIP area at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California during the Netflix-streamed card headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano.
In a statement released Monday, MVP made its stance clear. “Effective immediately, Claressa Shields is banned from all MVP events until further notice,” the promotion posted on X.
MVP added that while fighter rivalries and verbal tension are expected in combat sports, physical confrontations outside the ring or cage cross the line. “There is a time and a place for fighter tension and banter, but to physically attack a fellow athlete while there as a guest inside a private VIP area is unacceptable.”
The company also emphasized its broader conduct policy. “MVP maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for hostile, threatening, or aggressive behavior toward fighters, staff, media, or guests at any of our events.”
Video Shows Heated Exchange
Video circulating online reportedly shows Shields and Baumgardner exchanging words before Shields reached across and slapped Baumgardner’s hand away.
The two champions have been engaged in a public feud for years. Often trading insults and accusations through interviews and social media. The rivalry has fueled speculation about a possible mega-fight between the two stars, though relations now appear even more volatile.
Shields, Baumgardner Respond
Claressa Shields later addressed the situation on social media, suggesting Baumgardner was verbally aggressive and had threatened her physically before the confrontation escalated.
Meanwhile, Alycia Baumgardner released a formal statement Monday accusing Shields of initiating the incident. “The situation that occurred on Saturday was unprovoked and entirely consistent with the individual involved,” Baumgardner stated.
She also described herself as having been “physically assaulted without provocation.” Baumgardner added that the matter “has been and will continue to be handled legally and professionally.”
Another Major Moment In Women’s Boxing Rivalry
The altercation immediately became one of the biggest talking points coming out of MVP MMA 1 and added another chapter to one of women’s boxing’s most heated rivalries.
Shields remains one of the most accomplished fighters in boxing history:
- Multiple undisputed championships
- Olympic gold medals
- Titles in several weight divisions
Baumgardner has also emerged as one of the sport’s biggest personalities and most recognizable champions after unifying titles at junior lightweight.
Now, instead of building momentum toward a future superfight. The situation has escalated into a public disciplinary issue involving one of combat sports’ fastest-growing promotional companies.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
