UFC 161: Jake Shields Ready for Welterweight Elite After Win over Tyron Woodley

Entering UFC 161, Jake Shields desperately needed a win to re-establish himself as a contender in the welterweight division. As it turns out, he was up to the task and did just that, defeating Tyron Woodley via split decision. 

Once upon a time, Shields was considered one of the top welterweights (and middleweights) in the world. He was granted a shot at UFC champion Georges St-Pierre after just one win in the organization, but like nearly every challenger before him, failed to dethrone the champion. 

A devastating knockout loss in his next fight to Jake Ellenberger not only sent him to the canvas, but also down the welterweight pecking order. 

Looking to get back in the win column, Shields picked up a humdrum decision win against Yoshihiro Akiyama, who brought a four-fight losing streak of his own to the fight. Not exactly a huge stock booster. 

After that the former Strikeforce middleweight division sought to make waves in that division by moving up to fight Ed Herman, a rising name with a three-fight win streak. Shields picked up another decision win, but had it turned into a no-contest when he tested positive for a "prohibited substance," per ESPN.

Shields' fighting style is already one that makes him a top candidate to be cut from the UFC roster. He's a high-level grappler that definitely puts winning ahead of entertaining the fans. Like Jon Fitch before him, Shields is only a commodity to the UFC as long as he continues to win fights. 

That made his fight against Woodley a must-win. 

Woodley presented Shields with a huge opportunity and a huge risk at the same time. With just one loss to his name and a 36-second knockout already on his UFC resume, Woodley is an explosive fighter that was favored to win. 

For the first time in a long time, Shields looked like a top welterweight against a notable opponent. As Bleacher Report's own Damon Martin pointed out, Shields' cardio and perseverance were in top form.

Yes, Shields is not the most exciting fighter in the world. He utilizes control to beat his opponents, and much of his win against Woodley was taking away his offense by clinching.

However, at the end of the day winning is what matters, and that's exactly what Shields did. Now it's time to see if he can continue that success and climb the ladder once again.