UFC
After UFC 144 win, Jake Shields moving up to UFC's middleweight division
Mar 27, 2012 - 11:00:55 PM After UFC 144 win, Jake Shields moving up to UFC's middleweight division

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

After snapping a two-fight losing streak in the welterweight division last month, Jake Shields has decided to move back up to the middleweight division.

The move back up was announced on the UFC's Fuel TV program "UFC Tonight" on Fuel TV, and he's expected to return to action sometime in late summer after his UFC 144 win over Yoshihiro Akiyama.

Shields, the former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion, moved over to the UFC in 2010 and dropped back to 170 lbs. at the behest of UFC management. He defeated Martin Kampmann, but lost in consecutive bouts in 2011 to Champ Georges St-Pierre and top contender Jake Ellenberger.

His middleweight record is far from extensive, but it is impressive. When EliteXC folded in 2008, he was their Welterweight Champion, but entering Strikeforce in 2009 brought him up. He defeated Robbie Lawler in a 182 lb. catchweight bout, then captured the title in a bout against Jason "Mayhem" Miller. He then picked up perhaps his most impressive career win in a five round decision over Dan Henderson in April of 2010.

Penick's Analysis: Middleweight is lacking in clear top contenders, so it would be a much easier path for Shields if he wants to get back into the title picture. Welterweight is cluttered still, and one of his teammates, Nick Diaz, will be right back in the mix when he's able to return. At middleweight, a few wins would make him a rightful contender, and there are fewer strikers at middleweight to give him fits on the feet. It's a more grapple-heavy division overall, which plays right into what he likes to do, and this is probably a very smart move for him.