Jake Shields – Photo via UFC.com
It appears that Jake Shields (27-6-1, 1NC) is set to return to the welterweight division after moving back to 185-lbs for one bout last summer. Shields will reportedly meet former Strikeforce contender Tyron ‘T-Wood’ Woodley (11-1) this summer, possibly as part of UFC 161.
The bout between Shields and Woodley was identified by MMAjunkie.com on Wednesday night.
UFC 161 is expected to take place in Canada on June 15, 2013 but nothing official has come from UFC officials.
Shields has sat out a six-month suspension after a positive test for a banned substance last August after defeating Ed Herman by decision in a middleweight bout at UFC 150. Following the failed drug test the result was changed to a “No Contest.” Shields last victory took place in Japan in February 2012 at UFC 144 with a decision over Yoshihiro Akiyama by decision.
Woodley debuted inside the octagon earlier this month walking away with an impressive 36-second knockout of Jay Hieron at the UFC 156 Vegas event. The victory put Woodley back into the win column after losing a Strikeforce title match with Nate Marquardt for the vacant 170-lbs belt last July. That defeat, a fourth round knockout, was the fist of ‘T-Wood’s’ career after ten straight victories.