World Series of Fighting signs top-10 ranked welterweight Jake Shields to an exclusive, multi-fight deal

                                                              PHOTO: WSOF

LAS VEGAS (April 21, 2014) – World Series of Fighting continues to build an extremely stacked welterweight division with the addition of former Strikeforce champion and UFC title contender Jake Shields.

With the addition of Shields, the World Series of Fighting welterweight division is now one of the best on the planet with such top talent as current champion Rousimar Palhares and top contenders Jon Fitch, Josh Burkman, Steve Carl, and Gerald Harris.

The California-based fighter recently announced that he signed a multi-fight deal with the promotion and is expected to debut in the World Series of Fighting decagon in July. He brings a 29-7-1 record into the cage and will make his first appearance against an opponent to be named shortly.

Shields has beaten a very impressive who’s who list of fighters that includes Dan Henderson, Carlos Condit, Paul Daley, Robbie Lawler, Tyron Woodley, Demian Maia, Martin Kampmann, Yoshihiro Akiyama, Jason Miller and Yushin Okami.

Shields is ranked as a top-10 welterweight and has built himself a hall-of-fame worthy resume in 15 years of professional fighting. The 35-year-old is a proud member of the “Skrap Pack,” where he trains alongside some of MMA’s best, including Gilbert Milendez as well as Nick and Nate Diaz. He also works closely with coach Tareq Azim at his Empower gym in San Francisco.

Shields, an American Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, previously held the EliteXC welterweight title, as well as the Strikeforce middleweight championship. “I have so much to prove, and I will become the World Series of Fighting welterweight champion,” Shields said. “I’m really looking forward to fighting at my new home with World Series of Fighting.  I think that when you look at the World Series of Fighting welterweight roster, there is no denying that they’re housing many of the world’s best, and I’m proud to be a part of that group.”

“Jake has been a top fighter in professional mixed martial arts for years now, ” World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo said. “You know you’ve got one of the best in the world when you sign someone who has won multiple championship belts and has had 15-fight win streaks over some of the world class fighters he’s beaten. This kid is an extremely tough, proven warrior capable of beating anyone who stands in his way. I’m extremely proud we were able to sign him and I will continue bringing fighters of this caliber to World Series of Fighting.”