Strikeforce and it’s middleweight champ Jake Shields (25-4-1) have gone their separate ways according to the fighters father and manager who spoke to Sherdog.com. Jack Shields was informed by the promotion on Wednesday that they would be releasing the middleweight champion from his contract.
“In the conversation we had today, they said they felt that Jake was leaning towards the UFC. Honestly, we were talking to them with an open mind, though Jake wants to fight the best,” said the elder Shields. “Between Strikeforce and EliteXC, Jake had the chance to fight on Showtime and CBS four or five times against some top fighters like Dan Henderson and Robbie Lawler. Strikeforce gave him great opportunities and exposure. They’ve been nothing but great for Jake.”
Shields is now free to negotiate with the UFC and it’s President Dana White, who has been actively seeking to add the fighter to the fold. The senior Shields has already given the UFC their asking price and will pursue fights in the middleweight and welterweight divisions. If both sides come to an agreement, Shields already has his eye’s set on debuting against the promotions middleweight champion Anderson Silva.
“We didn’t come to agreement with Strikeforce, but Jake’s excited to challenge himself against the likes of Anderson Silva and others in the UFC,” said Jake Shields.
Fans could very well be treated to the announcement of Shields signing by the UFC as part of this weekends UFC 116 event, here’s hoping we’ll get the chance to see Shields in the octagon soon.