The return of the Professional Fighters League (PFL) brought with it some incredible and headline-making upsets. None, though, would compare to that of Brittney Elkin defeating Claressa Shields.
The two fighting females will square off on Thursday in the main event live on the ESPN family of networks.
But who is Brittney Elkin? And how can she pull this off?
For starters, Shields will be stepping inside the cage for the first time. Sure, she has been training in one at the famed Jackson Wink MMA, but doing it under the lights is a whole different deal.
Elkin has nine pro bouts to her credit, including a 2018 meeting with PFL champion Kayla Harrison. She also met Bobbi Jo Dalziel and Amanda Baker.
One key component is the fact that Shields has never fought for an extended period of time inside the cage. And yes, it is much, much different than the boxing ring.
Takedowns, leg kicks, smaller gloves. Elkin has all that experience with her.
And she has the nothing-to-lose attitude coming in.
Claressa Shields is supposed to knock Brittney Elkin out. She is supposed to dominate her.
But Claressa Shields better be wary of just what Brittney Elkin can do.
A Little More On Brittney Elkin
In her three wins over Kola Shippentower Willingham, Gabrielle Holloway and Summer Bradshaw, Elkin went the distance twice. The other victory came via TKO in the first round.
She has battled for three rounds once more and into the second round three times. There is also nothing that can compare to the experience Elkin received preparing to meet Kayla Harrison.
Harrison, viewed as one of the top female MMA fighters in the game today, would be a tremendous learning experience for anyone. You can bet Elkin will refresh her mind back on that training and fight-night atmosphere for Shields.