Savannah Marshall electrified her home fans with a spectacular first-round stoppage of Mirela Vargas at PFL Europe in Newcastle. The 33-year-old undisputed super-middleweight boxing champion transitioned to mixed martial arts seamlessly, overcoming multiple takedowns to overpower her Brazilian opponent with a barrage of punches at the Utilita Arena.
Marshall, who began MMA training just nine months ago, showcased her striking prowess and resilience in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Despite being taken down several times by Vargas, the Hartlepool native rose each time to deliver powerful punches, ultimately forcing the referee to stop the contest.
“Thank god I can punch. I’ve only been doing this nine months, but I’ve loved it,” said Marshall. “Now, where’s my pal Claressa?”
Marshall’s post-fight celebration saw her joined in the cage by long-term boxing rival Claressa Shields. The two are set to continue their rivalry under MMA rules in the PFL. Shields, who defeated Marshall in 2022 to become boxing’s undisputed middleweight world champion, made her PFL debut in 2021 and has won two of her three fights in the organization.
Marshall attributed her move to the PFL to the desire to fight Shields in MMA, revealing that a lack of challenges in boxing motivated her transition. Her MMA debut was well-received by fans, who cheered loudly as she was shown on the big screens early in the night.
Training with UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and his father Andy, Marshall prepared diligently for her MMA debut. The Manchester fighter was seen giving Marshall final words of encouragement before she entered the cage, donning a Newcastle United shirt and receiving a rousing ovation.
The fight itself was action-packed from the start. Marshall’s straight right hand stung Vargas early on, but she was briefly wobbled by a leg kick and taken down. However, under Aspinall’s tutelage, Marshall showcased her jiu-jitsu skills by getting back to her feet.
With the crowd in full voice, Marshall unleashed a series of piston-like strikes, rocking Vargas repeatedly. Although Vargas managed another takedown and attempted an arm triangle submission, Marshall’s defensive skills allowed her to escape and continue her assault. The referee eventually stopped the fight, with Marshall holding a 31-4 punch advantage.
“These MMA fighters, you’ve got to be a little bit crazy to do this,” Marshall commented. “I’ve loved it, fight week, the training, the MMA community has welcomed me with open arms. It’s a tough sport and I take my hat off to anyone who does it.”
Following the fight, Marshall and Shields shared a moment of respect, agreeing to a future MMA showdown in the PFL. However, Marshall hinted at a possible return to boxing if promoter Ben Shalom made the right offer.
Elsewhere on the PFL Europe card, Britain’s Jack Grant impressed with a back-suplex followed by ground strikes to defeat Charlie Leary, and compatriot Shanelle Dyer knocked out Mariam Torchinava with a spectacular head kick. Additionally, the PFL announced the signing of British former UFC fighter Marc Diakiese, who is set to make his PFL debut later this year.
