Former Strikeforce and EliteXC champion Jake Shields will look to rebound from his loss to reigning UFC Welterweight Champion Georges “Rush” St. Pierre when he returns to action later this year. Shields will next face rising star Jake “The Juggernaut” Ellenberger at an event set for the Fall.
MMAFighting.com first reported on the matchup on Sunday. The fight has since been officially confirmed by the promotion as the main event of UFC: “Battle on the Bayou” on September 17th in New Orleans, Louisiana. The surging Ellenberger has won four straight fights inside the Octagon.
Shields (26-5-1) put together an impressive 15-fight winning streak from 2005 until losing to St. Pierre in late April. The string of victories included many notable wins, and Shields earned titles in EliteXC and Strikeforce along the way. The American Jiu-Jitsu practitioner struggled against St. Pierre, however, who kept the fight on the feet and outstruck Shields for much of their five-round title fight. Now looking to get back on track, Shields will not face an easy opponent when he battles Ellenberger in September.
Ellenberger (24-5-0) has also picked up big victories in recent years and is regarded as one of the hardest hitters in the welterweight division. With 15 knockout wins – many coming via a single strike – Ellenberger is a threat to anyone at 170 pounds and has tasted defeat just once inside the Octagon. The loss came in a close and contentious Split Decision defeat to former WEC champion Carlos Condit nearly two years ago. Ellenberger has won all four of his fights since and a victory over Shields could place him in title contention.
UFC: “Battle on the Bayou” takes place on September 17th at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Article updated on Tuesday, June 28th to clarify the event where the matchup will take place.
(Photo Credit: Sherdog.com)