Ex-UFC Title Challenger Jake Shields Signs Multi-Fight Deal with World Series of Fighting

Jake Shields is the latest high-profile talent to sign with WSOF. | Keith Mills/Sherdog.com

WSOF officials announced the news on Thursday, though the promotion did not announce a debut date for the onetime Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight title challenger.

Shields, 35, joined the UFC in 2010 after winning titles in both EliteXC and Strikeforce. The American jiu-jitsu practitioner posted consecutive wins in the Octagon last year, topping Tyron Woodley and Demian Maia in split decisions. However, Shields was released from the UFC after his most recent outing, when he was outpointed by ex-Bellator titlist Hector Lombard in a clear-cut unanimous decision defeat at UFC 171 last month.

WSOF will hold its next event on June 21, when Georgi Karakhanyan defends his featherweight title against Rick Glenn. The NBC Sports broadcast-event will also see David Branch collide with Jesse Taylor for the inaugural WSOF middleweight title.