Mexican fighter scores surprise win in martial arts contest

Mexican fighter Abigail Montes won a surprise victory over the United States’ Claressa Shields in a mixed martial arts (MMA) bout in Florida on Wednesday.

Montes, a 21-year-old from Guadalajara, prevailed via a split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) in the Professional Fighters League showdown with Shields, a two-time Olympic winner who is widely considered the world’s greatest living female boxer.

It was just the third professional MMA fight for Montes and her first outside Mexico. She now has a 3-0 record.

It was Shields’ second professional MMA bout and her first loss. She announced her plans to transition into MMA last year and had her first fight in June.

Abby Brave, as Montes is nicknamed, was particularly dominant at the tail end of the third and final round, landing 15 unanswered blows.

“Montes went for broke in the final minute, positioning herself on top of Shields and letting her hands go,” the website Boxing Scene reported.

The tapatía, as a female native of Guadalajara is colloquially known, told Mexico News Daily earlier this month that she was confident going into the fight.

“I’m ecstatic to get such a big opportunity. I’m at my mental and physical peak and getting such a big fight is the perfect opportunity for me to seize,” she said.

With reports from Reforma and Boxing Scene 

Have something to say? Paid Subscribers get all access to make & read comments.
tiger

Tamaulipas fuel-theft bust uncovers ranch hiding 135 exotic animals, from tigers to spider monkeys

0
Besides the illegally captured animals, the huge haul of the bust — including tanks, vehicles, tools, weapons and storage facilities — speaks to the size and complexity of Mexico's fuel-smuggling operations.
Closeup of building facades on a tree-lined street in Mexico City.

Mexico in Numbers: Mexico City rental prices

1
Rents in CDMX have risen nearly 10% in a year — but the gap between boroughs is huge. Here's what a two-bedroom actually costs, neighborhood by neighborhood.
Aerial view of Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in Puerto Vallarta at night.

MND Local: Discover a different side of September in Puerto Vallarta

0
From El Grito and traditional music to seasonal dishes and artisan markets, discover a different side of Puerto Vallarta this September.
BETA Version - Powered by Perplexity