by King Hazard
The word is out now, former top UFC welterweight contender Jake Shields has found a new home under the same roof as Jon Fitch and Yushin Okami in the World Series of Fighting (WSOF). The announcement officially dropped last Thursday after weeks of speculation, and it sounds like Shields is happy with his new contract, respects the organization, and is thrilled about the new welterweight division in front of him.
According to Shields in an interview with MMA Fighting, his release from the UFC roster “didn’t turn out bad” overall, but is still surprised that they cut him after coming off big wins, and just one loss to Hector Lombard at UFC 171 last month:
I was definitely a little surprised, especially coming off some big wins, guys in the top 10, main events, I definitely didn’t think they’d drop me after one loss. But, you know, I had a terrible performance. I certainly didn’t feel like I fought like myself that night. But, given that it was one performance, you should get a second chance to go out there and try to win again. And I wasn’t given that. But, ultimately it is what it is.
UFC President Dana White explained that “mixed martial arts is a young man’s game” and that Shields is “on the downswing” of his MMA career, like Fitch and Okami. However, Shields completely feels that’s “ridiculous” considering he defeated half the fighters in the top 10:
I didn’t read what Dana said, but ‘another guy?’ So are [a lot of other fighters] I guess, considering I beat at least half the guys in the top 10. That’s a little bit ridiculous. But I guess you have to justify it somehow.
Those are just some of his thoughts about the UFC cut, but if you want his full scoop, then continue reading at MMA Fighting. There’s still no word yet on when Shields will debut in the WSOF, but apparently he is eyeing to fight in July on the same card when Rousimar Palhares defends the strap against Jon Fitch.
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