Jake Shields, former Strikeforce Middleweight champion will make his UFC debut in October against Martin Kampmann at UFC 121: Lesnar vs. Velasquez. Shields, whose fight record stands at (25-4-1) will be fighting in the welterweight division.
Shields had left Strikeforce during the renegotiation period of his fight contract. During the period where Shields was a free agent, UFC President Dana White said he would have paid a large sum to take one of Strikeforce’s champions, according to Fighters Only Magazine.
In an interview with Fighters Only Magazine, Shields said that he liked the idea of fighting current UFC Welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre and UFC Middleweight champion Anderson Silva.
Shields’ departure was not without controversy. Not only did he leave Strikeforce while he was the organization’s middleweight champion, Shields had also engaged in a brawl with Jason “Mayhem” Miller moments after fighting Henderson. According to Shedog’s website, Sheilds was one of the fighters that was fined and suspended.
Although Shields is gone from Strikeforce, he does have his supporters from the organization. In an interview with MMA Weekly Gilbert Melendez, Shields training partner and the current Strikeforce Lightweight champion, said he thinks Shields will do well in UFC.
“Of course I wish he was still here with me in Strikeforce,” Melendez said. “But he’s got to do what he’s got to do and I support him 100 percent.”
Shields’ other accomplishments include championships the EliteXC Welterweight title, Shooto Middleweight title, and Rumble on the Rock Welterweight tournament winner. He also has notable wins over Robbie Lawler and Paul Daley
Shields was also featured on the MTV show Bully Beatdown hosted by Miller, and was an assistant coach on the Ultimate Fighter Season 11 for Team Liddell.
If Shields win his debut match against Kappmann, he could be quickly thrown inline for a title shot in the future.
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