Claressa Shields Banned From MVP Events After Altercation With Alycia Baumgardner

TORONTO, ONTARIO - SEPTEMBER 06: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white. Color version is available. ) Claressa Shields of 'The Fire Inside' poses in the Getty Images Portrait Studio Presented by IMDb and IMDbPro during the Toronto International Film Festival at InterContinental Toronto Centre on September 06, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario.

(Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for IMDb) Getty Images for IMDb Claressa Shields has been banned from all MVP Promotions events "until further notice," and could be facing legal issues following her physical altercation with Alycia Baumgardner on Saturday night at the Intuit Dome. Shields slapped Baumgardner's hand as the two women were arguing and that led to the ban. Baumgardner also took to social media to reference potential legal action.

In case you missed it, here is a look at the altercation. Fighters Involved: Claressa Shields (multi-division undisputed champion) and Alycia Baumgardner (undisputed junior lightweight champion) Incident Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026 Location: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California Event: MVP MMA 1 (Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano) on Netflix MVP's Ruling: Shields banned from all MVP events, effective immediately, until further notice Baumgardner's Position: Released statement claiming she was "physically assaulted without provocation" Shields' Position: Says Baumgardner threatened her and is "playing victim" What Did MVP Promotions Say About the Ban?

Most Valuable Promotions released a formal statement on Instagram, Facebook, and X addressing Shields' conduct at the Rousey vs. Carano event . The promotion said there's "a time and a place for fighter tension and banter," but that physically putting hands on another athlete in a private VIP area crosses the line and "reflects poorly on MVP and women's sports, which we have worked tirelessly to uplift.