Demian Maia vs. Jake Shields targeted for fall UFC show

A welterweight bout between Demian Maia (18-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) and Jake Shields (28-6-1 MMA, 3-2 UFC) will be part of an upcoming fall UFC show.

Although an exact date hasn’t been determined, verbal agreements are in place, according to FUEL TV’s “UFC Tonight.”

The recently rumored bout features two 170-pound grapplers coming off recent victories.

Since a move down to welterweight, former middleweight title challenger Maia has won three consecutive bouts. The Brazilian, who made the drop after a decision loss to now-champ Chris Weidman in early 2012, has defeated Dong Hyun Kim (TKO via injury), Rick Story (submission) and Jon Fitch (decision).

Maia was expected to fight Josh Koscheck this weekend at UFC 163 but was forced off the card when his opponent suffered an injury.

Shields, meanwhile, looks to build on a recent split-decision victory over Tyron Woodley in June. If not for a failed drug test (due to an undisclosed substance) at UFC 150, he’d be a three on a three-fight win streak. Still, the former Strikeforce champion remains undefeated since back-to-back losses to UFC champ Georges St-Pierre and Jake Ellenberger in 2011.

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Demian Maia)