After falling short in a title fight against UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre, Jake Shields will return to action at UFC Fight Night 25 against Jake Ellenberger. Less than a month after his father’s death, Shields will step into the Octagon for one of the more important fights of his career.
Despite losing to St-Pierre, Shields is still considered one of the best fighters in the welterweight division. A loss to an underrated Ellenberger would be extremely damaging for Shields’ hopes of earning a title shot in the welterweight or middleweights divisions in the future.
For Ellenberger, a win over Shields would catapult him into the mix for a 170-pound title fight. Ellenberger has won eight of his last nine bouts, with his only loss during that time coming via split decision against top contender Carlos Condit.
Former “The Ultimate Fighter” winners Court McGee and Jonathan Brookins will also compete in the event, which will be held in New Orleans, La. Additionally, Alan Belcher will make his return to the Octagon after a career-threatening eye injury has forced him out of competition for the past year.
Now, let’s get to the predictions.