Jake Shields
Jake Shields
Ht: 6’0 – Wt: 170 – Age: 33
Born: California, USA
Fights out of: San Francisco, CA, USA
Team: Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Overall Record: 27-6-1
UFC Record: 2-2
Background:
Jake Shields won championships in Strikeforce, EliteXC, and Shooto before finally making his way to the UFC in 2010. Shields has bounced around the welterweight and middleweight divisions throughout his career. Shields made his mixed martial arts debut in 1999, fighting to a 7-3 record before traveling to Japan to fight in the Shooto organization. Shields upset Hayato Sakurai in his Shooto debut, eventually winning the vacant Shooto middleweight (168 lbs.) championship in 2004. Shields lost his first title defense before returning stateside where he took part in Hawaii’s 2006 Rumble on the Rock 8-man welterweight tournament. Shields defeated former UFC champion Dave Menne, Yushin Okami, and Carlos Condit to win the tournament. Shields continued to bounce around promotions before ultimately signing with the EliteXC. Shields went 4-0, finishing established veterans Renato Verissimo, Mike Pyle, Nick Thompson, and Paul Daley. Shields eventually made his way over to Strikeforce where he submitted Robbie Lawler before winning the vacant Strikeforce middleweight championship over Jason Miller. Shields successfully defended his title against heavily-favored challenger Dan Henderson before signing with the UFC in 2010. Shields made his UFC debut against Martin Kampmann, winning a narrow decision to earn him a shot at reigning UFC welterweight champion Georges St.Pierre. In the title fight, Shields chose to stand with GSP for all 5 rounds, eventually losing via unanimous decision. Shields soon made his return against Jake Ellenberger following the recent passing of his father, but lost via 1st round TKO.
2011 Breakdown:
Shields fought twice in 2011, losing consecutive fights for the first time in his 33-fight career.
Shields began the year as the #1 contender for George St.Pierre’s title. They squared off at UFC 129 in GSP’s native Canada. Shields curiously decided to test his striking skills against GSP, refraining from using his takedowns and grappling. Shields continued to this strategy for nearly the whole fight, seemingly unwilling to alter his gameplan. The latter rounds were close, but Shields disappointedly did not try to push the pace or land any significant offense.
Shields stepped back into the cage against rising contender Jake Ellengerger at UFC FIght Night 25 shortly after the passing of his father. Shields immediately tried to shoot for the takedown and clinch with Ellenberger, but Ellenberger evaded his attempts, ultimately finishing Shields with strikes in the 1st round.
2012 Forecast:
Shields’ career was at an all-time high following his impressive win over Dan Henderson in 2010, but he seems to have fallen off considerably since signing with the UFC. This may be attributed to him dropping back down to welterweight or possibly facing stiffer competition in the UFC. If Shields cannot get a fight to the ground, he is a sitting duck for his opponents due to his average striking. His striking is fairly stiff and methodical with his only weapon being a jab. Shields may consider a move back up to 185 lbs. following his 1-2 stint in the UFC’s welterweight division. Demian Maia found decent success as an undersized grappler, and Shields could likely do the same.
Jake Shields Fight Record
Overall Record: 26-6-1
2008-2011 Record: 6-2
2011 Record: 0-2
Loss | Jake Ellenberger | Tko | Rd 1 | UFC | 09/17/2011
Loss | Georges St.Pierre | Dec | Rd 5 | UFC | 04/30/2011
2010 Record: 2-0
Win | Martin Kampmann | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 10/23/2010
Win | Dan Henderson | Dec | Rd 5 |Sforce| 04/17/2010
2009 Record: 2-0
Win | Jason Miller | Dec | Rd 5 |Sforce |11/07/2009
Win | Robbie Lawler | Sub | Rd 1 |Sforce | 06/06/2009
2008 Record: 2-0
Win | Paul Daley | Sub | Rd 2 |EliteXC| 10/04/2008
Win | Nick Thompson | Sub | Rd 1 |EliteXC| 07/26/2008
