At one time, Jake Shields was being called the best welterweight in the world. After losing to Hector Lombard at UFC 171 in March, he has been released from the UFC.
MMA Fighting first reported the news on Monday morning.
Shields (29–7–1, 1NC) made his splash on the UFC after the organization took over Strikeforce. He made the immediate drop to welterweight, and defeated Martin Kampmann in his Octagon debut, which earned him a shot at Georges St-Pierre’s title. Following that loss, he never really found his footing inside the cage and went on to lose to Jake Ellenberger.
Even though Shields came in to the UFC riding a 14-fight winning streak, including victories over Yushin Okami and Carlos Condit, his record inside the Octagon was 3-3 1NC.
According to a statement by his manager Lex McMahon to MMA Junkie, he will have a new home soon.
“Jake and our team are already exploring options. I’m confident that Jake will have a new promotion to call home very soon. Jake thanks his fans for their support and looks forward to competing for them again soon.”