Jake Shields’ WSOF Debut Now Set For October Against Ryan Ford

After having to withdraw from his intended debut against Jon Fitch in July, Jake Shield is set to have his first fight for the WSOF in August against Ryan Ford.

Shields was expected to take on fellow ex-UFC fighter Fitch at WSOF 11 after signing for the promotion in April. However, the 35-year old was forced to pull out of the bout when he suffered a shoulder injury. He was subsequently replaced by Dennis Hallman who Fitch went on to beat in a unanimous decision.

Now the former Strikeforce middleweight champion has been booked to meet Ford at WSOF 14 which takes place at the Edmonton Expo Center in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Shields vs. Ford is the first fight to be added to the card and will feature as the main event.

The booking was first reported earlier today by Top MMA News.

Shields was given his walking papers by the UFC following his unanimous decision loss to Hector Lombard at UFC 171; which marked his third stale performance in a row in the welterweight division. His first came in his ultra-questionable split-decision win over Tyron Woodley last June. That was followed by a gritty win over Demian Maia in October.

Overall, the former champion is 3-3 (1) in his last seven bouts with losses to Georges St. Pierre, Jake Ellenberger and Lombard. His no-contest came after beating Ed Herman at UFC 150 when Shields failed a post-fight drug test.

Ford will be looking for his seventh straight win against the MMA vet. after picking up wins in his last six fights, which include five finishes. “The Real Deal” is now 14-2 in his last sixteen matches with his only losses coming to Douglas Lima and David Hulett.

Do you think Shields will be able to make his debut a successful one?