Jake Shields suspended for six months following positive test after UFC 150

Jake Shields won't be competing in the UFC for a little while. The former Strikeforce middleweight champion was suspended for six months by the Colorado Boxing Commission today following a positive test result after his UFC 150 win over Ed Herman. The Cesar Gracie-trained middleweight issued a statement apologizing for his actions:

"To my friends, fans and the UFC,

Prior to my professional bout at UFC 150 in Denver, Colorado, I used a substance prohibited by Colorado Boxing Commission rules.

This was a mistake that I fully regret. I have shared this issue with my family and the UFC and I have apologized to them and now I also apologize to you, the fans. I promise this will never occur again in my fighting career.

I accept the Boxing Commission's decision for a six-month suspension, which will expire in February. I ask that you accept my apology. I will be back fighting soon, and hope that the fans of MMA will support me until that time."

The bout was Shields' first at middleweight in the UFC following a 2-2 run at welterweight. The substance that Shields used hasn't come to light as of yet. He joins another Cesar Gracie fighter, Nick Diaz, on the sidelines due to a suspension. Both of their suspensions are up within a week of each other in February 2013.