Shields released by Strikeforce
Strikeforce released middleweight champion Jake Shields from his contract on Wednesday afternoon, freeing him to sign immediately with the UFC….
Strikeforce released middleweight champion Jake Shields from his contract on Wednesday afternoon, freeing him to sign immediately with the UFC.
Sherdog.com issued the report on Wednesday night, citing sources close to the organization.
Shields completed his Strikeforce contract with a defeat of Dan Henderson in April. Shortly after the win, Shields appeared on the Aldo vs. Faber pay per view with UFC president Dana White, and all signs have pointed towards Shields signing with the UFC this summer. The middleweight was in the midst of a period where Strikeforce could match offers from other organizations, but the San Jose-based promotion opted to waive the contract and release Shields outright.
Strikeforce purchased the fighter’s contract from the defunct Pro Elite organization. The contract did not include a standard champion’s clause which would tie Shields to the promotion as long as he held the middleweight championship.