Jake Shields: The Brazilian Fans Respect Me For My Jiu-jitsu Pedigree
Former UFC welterweight title challenger Jake Shields faces a stiff test against Demian Maia at this Wednesday’s UFC Fight Night 29 from Barueri, Brazil. The “American Jiu-jitsu” pioneer met up with our friends at MMA H.E.A.T. to discuss his pivotal bout with the Brazilian submission whiz. Shields believes that the Brazilian fans respect him for his excellent Jiu-jitsu skills.
Shields has respect for his surging opponent, who looks to extend his win streak to four. Shields has won two out of three by decision, with one No Contest in a fight he won against Ed Herman for failing the UFC 150. Shields was surprised with Maia’s takedowns at UFC 156 this February.
He also called both he and his opponent’s standup game underrated, although that’s up for debate. What is certain is that Shields and Maia are both two of the best submission artists to grace the Octagon. Shields spoke about his training with streaking UFC lightweight and the Russian judo master Khabib Nurmagomedov and the rest of his teammates.
Shields predicts his good friend Gilbert Melendez to win against Diego Sanchez at UFC 166, but also had praise for “The Dream.” Shields may be up against his toughest opponent since his loss to Georges St. Pierre at UFC 129. However, if Shields loses, it will be expected. If he wins, he may instantly find himself back in the top ten. Can he pull off the monumental upset?
