Claressa Shields Banned From MVP Events After Altercation with Alycia Baumgardner

Claressa Shields has been indefinitely banned from all Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) events following a physical altercation with fellow boxing star Alycia Baumgardner. The incident occurred over the weekend at the MVP MMA 1 card, which featured a high-profile headlining bout between combat sports icons Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. The promotional company, co-founded by Jake Paul, issued a formal statement on social media Tuesday morning declaring that Shields is no longer welcome to attend their future shows.

“Effective immediately..”

According to the promotion, the confrontation took place within a private VIP area of the venue, where both athletes were attending the mixed martial arts event as guests. “Effective immediately, Claressa Shields is banned from all MVP events until further notice,” the statement from MVP read. “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 conflict reportedly escalated after years of established social media tension between the two fighters. Witnesses and reports indicate that Shields and Baumgardner exchanged heated words before Shields allegedly slapped Baumgardner’s hand. The promotion praised venue security for a swift de-escalation and commended Baumgardner for not retaliating during the scuffle.

Shields later addressed the incident, suggesting that her actions were a response to provocation. She indicated that Baumgardner’s aggressive disposition and verbal barbs led to the physical contact. However, Baumgardner has denied these claims, asserting that the escalation was unprovoked and that she intends to pursue a professional and legal resolution to the matter. The ban represents a significant rift between the promotional powerhouse and Shields, who is widely considered the greatest female boxer of the modern era.

Shields, who has also competed in professional MMA, has frequently traded barbs with MVP associates and fighters across social media platforms over various business and personal disputes. Baumgardner, the undisputed super featherweight champion, remains in good standing with the promotion. Representatives for MVP emphasized that maintaining a safe environment for their athletes and guests is their top priority, regardless of any ongoing rivalries between professional competitors.

“MVP would like to thank venue security for their swift response in addressing and de-escalating the situation and appreciate Alycia Baumgardner not retaliating and further amplifying the situation,” the promotion said in its official announcement. Neither athlete has confirmed if they intend to settle their grievances inside a boxing ring in the future.