The Triangle Choke: Jake Shields Interview

Jake Shields discusses his win over Robbie Lawler & matchup with Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Cung Le

Jake Shields is on a 12 fight winning streak dating back to November of 2005. He holds a career record of 23-4-1. There are few who have a record as impressive facing the caliber of competition Jake has. To top it off, Jake recently met “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler at a catch weight of 182 lbs (Jake competes at 170 lbs), a fight which few gave him a chance. Lawler was 16-4 coming into the fight with a reputation of knocking opponents senseless. Yet again, Shields took control of the fight early and to the surprise of most finished the fight with a guillotine choke 2:02 into the 1st round. While others may get more coverage and hoopla, Jake simply gets victories. Remember the name MMA fans, Jake Shields will be a household name soon.

SD- First of all congrats on the big win over Robbie Lawler.

JS- Thanks, it went well, I can’t complain.

SD- When you agreed to fight Robbie at a catch weight, what concerned you coming into the fight?

JS- My biggest concern was that he is a big power puncher. He has knockout power in both hands. I needed to make sure I didn’t stand in the pocket and trade with him.

SD- You mentioned in the post fight interview that you tried to take him down but could feel the strength difference.

JS- I don’t think there was that much difference. He is strong but I was never thinking I cannot handle this. I just had to be patient and look for a mistake.

SD- You met him at a catch weight of 182lbs. You normally fight at 170lbs. Did you have to cut any weight for this fight?

JS- I only had to cut 5-6 lbs. I had bulked up a little bit and was walking around at 190lbs. I usually cut around 15lbs so this was much easier.

SD- You haven’t lost a fight since December of 2004. Yet you don’t get the coverage in the media. You are not found in the pound for pound rankings etc. Does that bother you?

JS- Yeah a little bit. I just go out there and keep fighting. I think eventually people are going to realize how good I am. I am one of the best fighters out there and people will eventually start to admit that.

SD- Do you think the lack of recognition comes from being labeled as a jiu-jitsu guy and that fans love the blood and highlight reel knockouts?

JS- I think that is part of it but it also stems from the fact that I’ve never competed in the UFC. A lot of these guys fought in the UFC then they left. I’ve never competed there. I think that hurts me from a recognition stand point. However, I’ve been guys that competed in the UFC and our currently there.

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SD- You have some impressive wins on your resume (Condit, Okami to name a few) and your game continues to evolve. You are not just a jiu-jitsu practitioner, how has training at Cesar Jiu-Jitsu helped you grow as a fighter?

JS- I try to stay open minded and learn new things. The sport is constantly evolving and you don’t stay on the cutting edge you will fall behind. I’ve been working on my stand up a lot as that was my weakest link. I’m learning new jiu-jitsu tricks and working hard on strength and conditioning. The sport is filled with good athletes so strength and explosive training is necessary. I’m always trying to stay on top of things and train as hard as I possibly can.

SD- Your stand up as improved dramatically and I’m shocked by the improvement in Nick Diaz’ game. Speak about the improvement in striking at Cesar Gracie.

JS- We just train hard. It’s really starting to come together. Nick and I work really hard with the striking coaches there.

SD- Cung Le gets a lot of publicity yet only has 6 MMA fights under his belt and hasn’t fought since March of 2008. You stated you are friends with Cung but called him out at the event. Would you like to see him be your next opponent?

JS- Yeah I think that would be a great fight. He is a really good fighter but the competition I’ve fought is levels above him. I think it would be a huge step up for him so we will see if he wants to do it or not.

SD- I think it would be a great fight and garner a lot of interest.

JS- Yeah, especially since we are both in the bay area as well. He lives in San Jose where they do a lot of shows and I’m about 45 minutes from there. Cung Le is immensely popular in this area and I’m getting quite a crowd out here as well. Hopefully this is something they will put together.

SD-You looked very good at 182lbs. Are you looking to stay at 170lbs or compete at 185lbs?

JS- I’m looking at both really. I just want to fight big fights. Strikeforce seems to have bigger fights at 185 so I’m probably going to stay there unless they come up with a big fight for me. If I was fighting in the UFC I would probably drop down to 170lbs.

SD- What are your immediate goals in terms of which promotion you will fight for?

JS- Strikeforce has treated me very well. I’m happy with them right now and just taking it one fight at a time.

SD- I’ll put you on the spot. You train with Gilbert Melendez who will face Josh Thomson on August 15th. What is your prediction?

JS- Thomson is a great fighter. I thought all along he is great and everyone thought Gilbert was going to kill him the 1st time. I think Gilbert underestimated him a little bit and looked past him. I think Gilbert will win this time. It is going to be a war. Josh is a tough guy. I think as long as Gilbert prepares correctly he will win by a late round TKO or by a decison.

SD- Thanks Jake for your time. We look forward to seeing you compete again and hopefully that is against Cung Le.

JS- I want to thank all the guys at Cesar Gracie, Nate & Nick Diaz, Gilbert Melendez and the entire team for helping me get ready.

By Scott Dryden
ProFighting-fans.com Staff Writer & Editor-in-Chief

Photo courtesy of Strikeforce