Jake Shields officially signed with the UFC today, in a move that most MMA observers saw from a mile away. He has agreed to cut back down to welterweight (170 lbs.) after suggestions from UFC officials. Shields’ will set his target for a journey towards current UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre, but first in his path will be Martin Kampmann at UFC 121 in Anaheim, California.

Shields was released by Strikeforce just weeks ago, making him available to finalize his UFC contract sooner than later and allowing for Strikeforce themselves to save some cash as well. Shields, one of Strikeforce’s biggest stars, was swayed mostly by the UFC’s ability to produce better competition, however Strikeforce’s failure to successfully promote him definitely factored into the equation.

Shields will be immediately tested in his debut when he takes on Martin “The Hitman” Kampmann. The Dutch striker has 17 wins with only 3 losses and just recently dominated former top 10 welterweight Paulo Thiago at UFC 115. Shields (25-4) is on a truly incredible 14 fight win streak himself, in which time he has defeated the likes of Dan Henderson, Jason Miller, Robbie Lawler, Paul Daley, Carlos Condit, Yushin Okami, Toby Imada and more.

The UFC is doing their best at building the hype for the possible superfight of Jake Shields and GSP by promoting Shields on the same card as their biggest attraction – Brock Lesnar.  A win over Kampmann would be a hard earned victory for Shields and another step towards solidifying himself as one of the pound for pound best.

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