Looking into the mirror in his locker room right after his futile and adrenaline-challenged (spectator-wise, that is) attempt to wrest the UFC Welterweight Title from champion Georges “Rush” St-Pierre, Jake Shields must have thought, “Do I look like the beaten fighter?”
It would’ve been no surprise, really. Everybody who saw the still-champion’s face and then the challenger’s immediately post-fight, when the winner was being proclaimed, would’ve thought the same for the latter.
It may have rightfully mattered to the judges that St-Pierre landed more punches, whereas Shields solidly delivered only around three or four—with one arguably a legit razor-sharp jab or eye poke.
But it appealed to everyone’s sense of irony that Rush appeared more likely to get rushed to the hospital while Shields seemed primed to party after their fight.
Count in also the sense of humor, tinged with sarcasm, shared by MMA fans. Last but not least, count the sense of outrage coming from St-Pierre’s severest critics—mixed feelings over their frustration but at the same time vindication that, per their gripe, he just ain’t got no more fin in him.
Shields survived Martin Kampmann, Dan Henderson and recently St-Pierre’s standup assault and even made a mess of the Welterweight Champion’s face.
He must have pondered and convinced himself—as he surveyed his comparatively unmarked facial topography—that it’s seriously time to level up, load and unleash his long dormant striking artillery.
With that realization, expect a more aggressive and dangerous Shields on his feet in his next fight or two. (Perhaps more than St-Pierre?)
Thanks to St-Pierre for unwittingly providing the impetus that is finally making his last challenger a complete fighter.
True champions truly bring the best out of their challengers and eventual conquerors.
UFC 129 Results, News and More
I think we have Manny Pacquiao’s future MMA equivalent lurking here somewhere…for those interested in Philippine MMA, check out here the official website of our country’s premier MMA organization, the Universal Reality Combat Championship and our top MMA online forum at PinoyMMA.com.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com