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Monday, November 9, 2009
CBS Exec Says Jake Shields Is Still Marketable
 Message boards around the MMA world savaged Jake Shields after his decision victory over Jason "Mayhem" Miller at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers on Saturday.
The hater consensus was that Shields was a boring fighter and had erased the popularity he had earned over a 10-year career as one of the world's top non-UFC welterweights (and newly minted middleweight).
But CBS Primetime exec Kelly Kahl on Sunday said that's just not the case.
"I don't know who those people are," he said. "Look, he's the champion and he did what it took to win a championship belt. I'm not going to fault him for that.
"Was it as exciting as some matches? Probably not, but the guy did what he had to do to win the bout."
Kahl said there were "a lot of moving parts" to Strikeforce's next show on CBS, but was pleased overall with the way the first effort turned out.Labels: CBS, Jake Shields, Strikeforce
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 6:42 PM
Monday, August 24, 2009
Top Spots on the Rumor Mill
 There are several rumored bouts that have yet to make it to confirmed status, so we thought we'd give you a quick rundown on some of the more prominent bouts that are being talked about.
B.J. Penn vs. Diego Sanchez:
Seeing as Penn is the UFC lightweight champ, this one tops the list. It is definitely the bout that the UFC wants to put together and that both fighters want, but it always comes down to business. There is definitely a chance of this bout hitting confirmed status soon, but word on the street is that there are still some details to be ironed out and that no bout agreements have gone out, but don't be surprised to see this one top the card at UFC 105 when the UFC returns to Manchester, England.
Michael Bisping vs. Denis Kang:
This one is all but a done deal. Bisping is always on the wish list when the UFC heads to England and UFC 105 is no different. Given that this bout makes sense at this point in each fighter's career, expect it to happen. It hasn't been signed off yet, but it should be in the coming days.
Jake Shields vs. Jason "Mayhem" Miller:
This one also makes sense. Strikeforce has been hunting for a solid opponent for Jake Shields to face for an interim middleweight title while champion Cung Le is off making movies instead of fighting. And given Strikeforce and Dream recently making their working relationship "official," Dream lending Miller to Strikeforce for an interim title bout makes sense. A little less of a sure bet than the first two, but don't be surprised if and when this becomes official.
Most fight rumors in the MMA world have some basis in fact. But they usually leak out before any contracts have been signed. And any promoter will tell you, it ain't a done deal until there's ink on the paper. That's the case with all the above mentioned fights.
Down to the wire, plans can and often do change. So while there's a strong likelihood on all of these coming to fruition, don't take 'em to the bank just yet.Labels: B.J. Penn, Denis Kang, Diego Sanchez, Jake Shields, Jason "Mayhem" Miller, Michael Bisping
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 4:57 PM
Thursday, June 11, 2009
MMA Live Breaks Down UFC 99 and Reviews WEC 41 and Strikeforce
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 5:30 PM
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Showtime Sports Recaps Strikeforce "Lawler vs Shields"
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 4:13 PM
Sunday, June 7, 2009
8,867 Witness Strikeforce Night of Upsets
 In what can only be described as a "Night of Upsets," 8,867 fans were in attendance at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis to witness the shocking turn of events.
The biggest shocker of the night had to be Brett Rogers' amazing knockout of former UFC heavyweight champion Andei Arlovski. Rogers unleashed a flurry of hooks that put Arlovski in a heap on the floor.
No less surprising was the finish to the 182-pound catchweight main event between Robbie Lawler and Jake Shields. For two minutes, Shields looked like a fish out of water, unable to take Lawler down and struggling to find his rhythm on the feet. But in an instant, he rushed Lawler and secureed a fight-ending guillotine choke.Labels: Andrei Arlovski, Brett Rogers, Jake Shields, Robbie Lawler, Strikeforce
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 12:28 AM
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Strikeforce Lawler vs Shields Weigh-in Videos
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 3:00 AM
Friday, April 10, 2009
Jake Shields on Sunday's "Bully Beatdown" on MTV
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 3:14 PM
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Jake Shields, Thomas Denny, Conor Heun and Others Beat Up Bullies
Former Elite XC welterweight champ turned Strikeforce fighter Jake Shields is in Utah along with former Elite stablemates Thomas Denny and Conor Heun, filming the new MTV series "Bully Beat Down," hosted by the always-colorful Jason "Mayhem" Miller.
The concept of the show, originally reported by MMAInsider in October as an Elite XC-helmed venture produced by reality kingpin Mark Burnett, involves singling out town bullies to fight with professional fighters for cash.
Enter professional bullies Shields, Denny, and Heun.
Shields tells MMAInsider that former Elite executive Jeremy Lappen recruited them to appear on the show, and Shields was a part of its pilot in December.
"I get to be a good guy bully," he said. "It's pretty cool."
Shields will log two days on the show's set and will appear on two of its eight episodes, scheduled to debut sometime this summer.
Show contestants will have 2 rounds with the professional fighters--one 3-minute round of grappling and one 3-minute round of kickboxing with pads and headgear. Alas, Shields and co. are not allowed to elbow the lions-turned-lambs on the ground.
"That would be nice," he laughs.
As you can imagine, Shields is not losing sleep over the fights.
"I'm going to go run tonight," he said. "Just for fun. The guy I'm going up against is a good wrestler, so I better take it a little serious, but it's two 3-minute rounds. Nothing serious."Labels: Bully Beat Down, EliteXC, Jake Shields, Jason "Mayhem" Miller
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 10:19 PM
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Do All Elite Champs Go To Heaven?
In a conference call announcing Strikeforce's first solo Showtime effort on Apr. 11, CEO Scott Coker said the merging of Elite XC talent with his roster would create possibility for new champions.
"We should give them the ability to come fight and unify the titles at some point in 09," said Coker.
The first fight in that vein would be a bout between Strikeforce lightweight champion Josh Thomson and former Elite XC champion KJ Noons (Noons never lost the title, but was stripped in a contract dispute with the organization) on the 11th.
"That would be an amazing fight and that's why we're trying to put that together," said Coker.
No word yet on whether Noons--or more accurately, his manager, Mark Dion--has accepted the bout, but on paper, it looks to be a dynamite match-up.
As for Elite's other title holders, like welterweight champ Jake Shields, middleweight champ Robbie Lawler, and heavyweight champ Antonio Silva, the bag is mixed.
Shields has not yet come to terms with his contract's transfer to Strikeforce, reportedly prefers a jump to the UFC, and most important, Strikeforce doesn't have a current undisputed welterweight champion.
Lawler is on board for the transfer, but has a slim to none chance of facing Cung Le until late 2009, and may be second in line to a Le rematch with Frank Shamrock.
Silva is out--Coker opted not to pick up "Giant" in light of his pending suit with the California State Athletic Commission.
One out of four isn't great, but it's a start.Labels: Antonio Silva, Jake Shields, Josh Thomson, Robbie Lawler, Strikeforce
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 2:30 AM
Monday, February 9, 2009
Jake Shields Not Aligned With Strikeforce Yet
 As the dust continues to settle from Strikeforce's acquisition of 42 Pro Elite fighters, CEO Scott Coker is beginning the process of scheduling athletes for 16 plus events due in 2009.
Though Coker says most of Elite's "top 12" fighters have given assurances they will fight for Strikeforce, it's former welterweight champion, Jake Shields, is not yet committed to the San Jose-based promotion.
"We're still in negotiations," Shields' manager and father, Jack Shields, told MMAInsider late Sunday night.
In a December interview with MMAWeekly, Shields repeatedly expressed his desire to free himself of his ProElite contract to fight for the UFC.
"I feel like it's been the top show for a while, and I feel like most of the competition at my weight is in the UFC," said Shields. "The guys I need to fight, like GSP, B.J. Penn, Jon Fitch, Diego Sanchez."
As recently as January, UFC president Dana White confirmed his interest in the 30 year-old Jiu-Jitsu black belt.
If he were to return to Elite, Shields said he would want to re-negotiate his contract.
Coker hinted the same might be true for his acquisition of Shields' ProElite deal.
"Out of all the conversations, everything has been positive, except for one athlete that’s I think maybe trying to use this as an opportunity to get a better deal," Coker told MMAInsider.
"Just like with Randy's deal, when he was in the situation with the UFC, to do a declaratory (ruling), it's going to be another six months for these fighters, and then we'll be forced to take them down that path, and the fighter's not going to fight for six months, and the court will rule one way or another.
"My lawyers (who) have looked at the contracts say these are valid contracts, these are contracts that were not going be a problem to be assigned. Either it's a legal resolution, or it’s a business resolution. I'm all about the business resolution. So if we can get these guys going, and put them back to work, then let's do it."
The elder Shields gave no timetable for a possible resolution to the impasse, but said he is committed to finding the best option for his son.
Now, the question appears to be whether Shields will continue their attempts to free himself from the now-Strikeforce contract, or serve its remainder to keep active and bide time for an eventual jump to the UFC.Labels: Jake Shields, ProElite, Scott Coker, Strikeforce
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 8:11 PM
Monday, October 27, 2008
Robbie Lawler Comments on EliteXC and Beyond
 The last ever Elite XC middleweight champion, Robbie Lawler, recently updated his blog on his personal website, Robbie-Lawler.com, where he talked about the recent demise of the company and he had good things to say about his time with the promotion.
"As everyone knows Elite XC is no longer around. I enjoyed my time working for them and I was treated really well. Thank you to everyone at Pro Elite for the opportunity to fight in front of millions of fans."
The internet started buzzing over the weekend when Lawler was spotteed at UFC 90 and speculation began running that he may sign with the promotion where he basically started his career.
While Lawler did not confirm or deny anything, he believes his future is very bright.
"Last week I spent at the UFC with Matt Hughes. The atmosphere was awesome as usual. I spent time talking to Monte Cox about what my options are. I also had a brief conversation with the very busy prez of the UFC. All that said I think I will be just fine. I will blog when I sign with an organization. Until then I will keep myself in good shape."
Along with Elite XC welterweight champion Jake Shields, Lawler is one of the top prospects that will be rumored to end up with the UFC at the end of the day.
Labels: EliteXC, Jake Shields, Matt Hughes, Robbie Lawler, UFC 90
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 2:09 PM
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
ProElite Shutting It's Doors Today (Tuesday)
 EliteXC executive JT Steele informed the Nevada State Atheltic Commission on Tuesday of "the unfortunate confirmation that the November 8, 2008 EliteXC event will be canceled. It is with great regret that I must also inform you that ProElite, Inc. will be closing our operation today."
There had been some speculation that ProElite may run out the week, but it looks like that's not going to happen, not that it made any difference to the parties involved anyway.
It's a little early to tell how the closing of ProElite will effect the various fighters and promotions involved, most of them are spending a considerable amount of time today - and probably in the coming days - either on the phone with or in the offices of their lawyers trying to determine what their options are.
King of the Cage and Cage Rage have both gone on record to MMAWeekly saying that they will persevere, although it is unclear in what form or fashion.
Jake Shields told MMAWeekly on Tuesday that he is hoping to be set free from his contract and not be a part of the liquidation of ProElite's assets, as he'd like to fight against as soon as possible and has his sights set on the UFC.Labels: Cage Rage, EliteXC, Jake Shields, King of the Cage, ProElite
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 5:29 PM
Monday, October 13, 2008
Nick Diaz FINALLY Gets Paid
 In a brief news update on Caesar Gracie's website, he posted an update on the status of some of his fighters and what they have going on.
As we posted here in the MMAInsiderBLOG, Jake Shields opened up his new academy over the weekend. It is a new GracieFighter Academy located in Berkley, Calif.
Nick Diaz has been confirmed to fight Eddie Alvarez on the Nov. 8 EliteXC fight card in Reno, Nev., and now he's also been paid for his fight for Dream… which took place FIVE MONTHS ago! According to Gracie, Diaz has agreed to return to Japan, but leaves the door for speculation wide open as he says, "At this point it is unclear for which organization" that Diaz will fight for in Japan.
It has been oft rumored that Nick's brother, Nate Diaz, will be fighting on the Dec. 13 Ultimate Fighter Finale on Spike TV. The update indicates that Nate is still waiting to hear if he will actually be added to the card or not.
Another GracieFighter team member, Damien Douglas, is expecting to return to ShoXC on the November card. Douglas is 3-1 in MMA thus far, winning his most recent ShoXC outing, defeating Joe Schilling in September.Labels: Caesar Gracie, Damien Douglas, Dream, EliteXC, GracieFighter, Jake Shields, Nate Diaz, Nick Diaz, ShoXC
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 7:02 PM
Friday, October 10, 2008
Jake Shields Opens New School Saturday
 The Grand Opening of EliteXC welterweight champion Jake Shields' new gym (with partner Jason Manley) is Saturday at noon in Berkeley, Calif.
The Shields-Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy is located at 2438 Durant Ave. (1/2 block off Telegraph and one block from The University of California Berkeley). It will offer Gracie BJJ taught by black belt instructors.
There will also be classes in boxing, kickboxing, submission wrestling and MMA. Jake will teach submission wrestling and MMA classes. There will be classes for all levels, from beginners to advance and professionals.
Class schedules will be up soon on Jake's website at www.jakeshields.com and www.myspace.com/jakeshieldsajj
Shields is a Cesar Gracie BJJ Black Belt and consensus top five MMA fighter, who hasn't lost a fight since 2004.
Jason Manly will manage the day to day operations of the gym and will also teach submission wrestling classes. He is a University Of California Berkeley graduate.
While at UC Berkeley, he excelled in track, winning MVP honors. He ranks No. 7 on the men's top 10 all-time list in the 100 meters. Manley also excelled on the mat, training and competing under Cesar Gracie.
Labels: Caesar Gracie, EliteXC, Grajie Jiu-Jitsu, Jake Shields, Jason Manley
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 2:06 PM
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Jake Shields says, "I had my own Nate Diaz moment" with Paul Daley
 Before Jake Shields and Paul Daley went to battle last Saturday night, the two welterweights almost came to blows after they weighed in according the EliteXC champion during a recent appearance on MMAWeekly Radio.
Shields said the two fighters were squaring off following the weigh-ins and Daley kept saying "I'm going to knock you out" and eventually the two ended up with a pushing and shoving match in front of the media and crowd in attendance.
Shortly after the ruckus on stage, members of the media noted that the curtains behind the main staging area were flying and noise could be heard from the back.
Sure enough, Shields and Daley were going after each other, trying to get their fight going a day early.
According to Shields the fighters were never able to actually get at one another, but the California native says that a few water bottles were thrown between the two and although his teammate, Nate Diaz (who has water bottle chucking experience) wasn't there, he held his own and now has his "water bottle" story.
Another interesting note from the actual fight is that Shields says Daley was attempting to eye gouge him during takedown attempts.
Shields explained that Daley put his finger in his eye when he was shooting in for a takedown and that the referee issued a warning for the initial offense, but Daley committed the foul a second time during the bout.
In the end the champ suffered only a severe case of red-eye, but a dangerous foul nonetheless.Labels: EliteXC, Jake Shields, Nate Diaz, Nick Diaz, Paul Daley
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 1:29 PM
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