Jake Shields will have to wait a little longer to make his World Series of Fighting debut.
According to WSOF president Ray Sefo, Shields has been forced to withdraw from his July 5 fight against Jon Fitch due to injury. The promotion is currently working on finding a replacement to fight Fitch on the same WSOF 11 card.
Shields’ manager Lex McMahon wasn’t available to comment on the injury.
The 35-year-old Shields (29-7-1, 1 NC) signed with WSOF last month after he was released by the UFC. He most recently lost a unanimous decision to Hector Lombard at UFC 171 in March, which snapped a four-fight unbeaten streak.
If the promotion finds a replacement for Shields it will mark Fitch’s third opponent for the card. Prior to getting matched up with Shields, Fitch was scheduled to fight Rousimar Palhares for the WSOF welterweight title, however, Palhares withdrew from the fight to take care of his sick mother.
WSOF 11, headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Nick Newell for the lightweight title, has yet to find a location. The promotion is expected to announce that news in the coming days. Also scheduled for the card is Melvin Guillard vs. JZ Cavalcante.