Jake Shields Offered Bout Against Martin Kampmann At UFC 121, Never Forced To Fight At 170

The former Strikeforce middleweight champion Jake Shields has been given his first UFC opponent and it will be at 170 lbs..  There were rumors of people saying that he was forced to go down to 185 lbs. by his camp, while others were saying that he was scared of someday clashing with current UFC middleweight champ Anderson Spider.

Shields told us that he certainly wasn’t ducking anyone, he simply took the first fight that was offered to him by the UFC.  He is now scheduled to make his debut against Martin Kampmann on October 23rd at UFC 121.  It is still unknown whether or not this bout will be for a no.1 contender spot in the welterweight division.  If it is, the winner between Shields vs Kampmann will face the winner of Georges St Pierre vs Josh Koscheck for the 170-pound belt.

From Jake Shields:

“I was pretty undecided the whole time. I just wanted big fights, and I know GSP is tied up with the Koscheck fight, so I was thinking maybe going to 85 since my weight’s already up. [The UFC] called and asked if I wanted (Martin Kampmann) at 70 and I said sure. They didn’t give me any pressure; they gave me the option. Some people were saying I was forced to go down, which certainly wasn’t the case. They said I could fight at either weight, but they offered me a fight at 70, and I was like I might as well jump and take it. I’m not really sure if this is going to be a number one contender’s fight or not, it hasn’t been mentioned to me, but there’s a good chance if I go out there and look really good doing it, it’s definitely a possibility.”

UFC Fighter Jon Fitch In ‘Such Great Heights’ Documentary Trailer Video

A trailer for the upcoming release, “Such Great Heights,” an intimate look inside the world of mixed martial arts fighting. The film follows top UFC Welterweight Contender Jon Fitch, both inside and outside of the cage, as he prepares to do battle with Champion Georges St. Pierre. Intensity and emotion move toward critical mass as fight night approaches and a tight knit team rallies around Jon.

While Fitch prepares for this climactic moment in his life, the story weaves through the daily triumphs and challenges of the other fighters at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA). The film explores the grueling lifestyles of these fighters as they deal with everything from their personal demons to finding a place to sleep at night.

Jon Fitch Ready For Middleweight Division Move If Josh Koscheck Defeats Georges St Pierre

The former UFC no. 1 welterweight contender Jon Fitch is gradually fighting his way up in the 170-pound division to obtain a second opportunity to fight Georges St Pierre (GSP) for the title.  However, his training partner Josh Koscheck is currently next in line for a shot against St Pierre for the belt.  Since Fitch and Koscheck are very good friends, Fitch already said that he’d be ready to move up to the middleweight class because he’ll never want to fight Kos.  On the other hand, if Koscheck loses then Fitch is down to keep on fighting until he acquires his rematch against GSP.

From Jon Fitch:

“To me there’s no reason to fight a teammate. It’s just not a fight we’re interested in at all. It’s a situation where, if Koscheck is able to win the belt and defend the belt, I will move up to 185. I think I have a good size frame. I can put on 15 pounds. I may have to take a month off or so to put on some weight, but that process may take over a year from now. I’ll have fought every welterweight worth fighting by then. [If Georges wins] I’ll be waiting on the front doorsteps with flowers [for a title shot].”

Josh Koscheck Ready To Get Under The Skin of Georges St Pierre On The Ultimate Fighter 12

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Georges St Pierre On How Much of A Threat Josh Koscheck Poses, Talks Possible Anderson Silva Fight

Josh Koscheck: “I Will Force Georges St Pierre To Stand and Then Knock Him Out”

Josh Koscheck Focused On Knocking Out UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St Pierre

UFC welterweight fighter Josh Koscheck has finally earned his shot at the title as he prepares for his next bout against current champ Georges St. Pierre.  Not only will Koscheck have his chance at the belt, but he’ll also be able to avenge his loss against St. Pierre at UFC 74.

Talk about killing two birds with one stone!  Will Koscheck defeat St. Pierre this time around?  Or will St. Pierre be too much for Koscheck and retain his 170-pound title?  Koscheck predicts complete domination along with a knockout victory to his favor.

From Josh Koscheck:

“This time it is everything. This is going to be it man. This is my run to the title and I’m going to get it. I’m close. I’ve got to be focused. I’ve got to train and I’m coming out of this fight with a victory. I think the city of Pittsburgh needs something like that. I’m from the area and it would be great to come home and have the support of all of my fans that have been backing me all the way since I was in college wrestling all the way up to now fighting for the title… Pittsburgh would be a great, great city to have the UFC. Bringing the UFC to Pittsburgh would be awesome, but regardless where it is, it’s going to be a great event, and me and St. Pierre are going to put on a good show. Georges, you better work on your power, because I’m going to force you to stand up with me when we fight, and I’m going to knock you out.”

Dan Hardy Resumes MMA Training, Reflects On GSP Loss and Talks More Trash About Josh Koscheck

Georges St Pierre vs Georges Laraque Wrestling Match Video

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