The UFC has released Jake Shields after three years with the organization. Shields (29-7-1, 1 NC) most recent appearance in the UFC was a unanimous decision loss to Hector Lombard at UFC 171. Prior to that loss Shields was on a four-fight unbeaten streak (includes a win over Ed Hernan that later became a no contest due to a failed drug test.
Jake Shields’ manager Lex McMahon released the following statement Monday morning:
“Jake Shields has been released by the UFC. Jake appreciates the opportunities provided by the UFC and thanks Dana White and Lorenzo Fertita. Jake is an elite athlete who is one of the best welterweight fighters in the world with a long history of winning at a championship level.
“Jake and our team are already exploring options. I’m confident that Jake will have a new promotion to call home very soon. Jake thanks his fans for their support and looks forward to competing for them again soon.”
The 35-year-old welterweight was much criticized for the lack of excitement in his fights, and like Jon Fitch before him, this is probably the biggest reason for his release.
Shields, who made his MMA debut in 1999, is a former EliteXC welterweight champion and Strikeforce middleweight champion. He faced Georges St. Pierre for the UFC Welterweight title in Toronto at UFC 129 in what is the highest grossing live gate in UFC History. He was 4-3 with one no contest in his UFC career. Prior to joining the UFC, he had his biggest wins over Dan Henderson and Robbie Lawler in Strikeforce. He also holds a win over Carlos Condit at Rumble on the Rock.
Jake Shields probably still has some name value though, and it will be interesting to see if he chooses to go to Bellator or the World Series of Fighting to continue his MMA career in the coming months.
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