On the four-year anniversary of his career best triumph, a Strikeforce middleweight title win over Dan Henderson in the ill-fated CBS card in Nashville, former UFC welterweight contender Jake Shields has announced that he's signed with World Series of Fighting. It's the latest addition to WSOF's stacked welterweight roster, which includes champion Rousimar Palhares, Jon Fitch, and Josh Burkman.
Shields (29-7-1, 1 NC) was bounced from the UFC after a decision loss to Hector Lombard at UFC 171 in March, which snapped his unbeaten run at 4. The 35-year-old sent an official statement to Bleacher Report's Jeremy Botter:
"I am very excited to be fighting for the World Series of Fighting. They have one of if not the best welterweight divisions in the world and I look forward to fighting great fighters like Jon Fitch, Rousimar Palhares, Josh Burkman, Gerald Harris and more," Shields said in a statement to Bleacher Report. "I also believe I will now be in an environment where fighters are embraced which will allow my performance at my very best! My first fight for WSOF will be soon so stay tuned. My thanks to the MMA community and fans for all the love and support."
Outside of a stint in ONE FC, who currently have Ben Askren and badly need decent competition to challenge him, this was probably the most logical landing place for Shields. There are plenty of intriguing match-ups for him in WSOF, and given the underwhelming showings by Jon Fitch in WSOF, he arguably stands as the best welterweight on the roster.
WSOF Executive VP and matchmaker Ali Abdel-Aziz says the deal isn't done yet, but with Shields releasing an official statement it seems all but official that he's the newest man in their stable.