Most Valuable Promotions Issues
Immediate Ban to Claressa Shields Following Altercation at the
Rousey vs. Carano Event
May 19, 2026
LOS ANGELES, CA — Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) has officially announced
an immediate, indefinite ban of multi-division champion Claressa Shields from
all future MVP events. The decisive action stems from a physical altercation
initiated by Claressa Shields against fellow fighter Alycia Baumgardner during
Saturday night’s high-profile Rousey vs. Carano event.
The incident, which took
place within a private VIP guest area, violated MVP's strict code of conduct
regarding athlete and guest safety.
Most Valuable Promotions maintains a strict,
zero-tolerance policy against any hostile, threatening, or aggressive behavior
toward fighters, staff, media, or guests.
The organization emphasizes that
physical altercations outside the ring or cage are entirely unacceptable in any
MVP environment.
"MVP does not condone, tolerate, or accept Claressa Shields’
behavior in that setting," the promotion stated in an official release.
"It
reflects poorly on MVP and women’s sports, which we have worked tirelessly to
uplift. 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.
"Swift Security Response and Commendation: Following the
physical contact, venue security personnel responded instantly to defuse the
altercation. MVP expressed explicit gratitude to the security team for their
rapid intervention and expert de-escalation of the volatile
situation.
Additionally, MVP leadership commended unified champion Alycia
Baumgardner for her professional composure during the assault.
By choosing not
to retaliate or escalate the physical conflict further, Baumgardner successfully
prevented the situation from amplifying.
Most Valuable
Promotions remains fully dedicated to providing a safe, respectful, and
professional environment for all athletes, partners, and spectators. The
promotion confirms it will continue to enforce these stringent safety standards
without exception moving forward. The ban issued against Shields remains
effective immediately and will stand until further notice.
Shields
responded to the altercation and subsequent fallout on social media by
defending her actions and shifting blame onto Alycia Baumgardner,
claiming her rival was verbally aggressive and threatened her first.
