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Jake Shields is a man on a mission. He has taken every challenge thrown at him in the last five years and has not succumbed to defeat. From challengers like Carlos Condit and Yushin Okami, to Paul Daley and Robbie Lawler, Shields has been dominant.
Now, on Nov. 7, Shields's next challenge is sure to be a bout full of mayhem, as Jason "Mayhem" Miller will be next in line for Shields, and will try to become the first man since Akira Kikuchi back in 2004 to hand Jake Shields a loss.
Shields recently spoke to Bleacher Report's Nick Colon about his upcoming bout with Miller, as well as a few other hot topics:
Nick: So Jake, how has camp been over the last few weeks and what have you worked on to get ready for this fight against Jason Miller on Nov. 7?
Jake: The camp’s been going great! I feel like I’m in great shape and great in every aspect, my grappling, my striking, everything feels good. I feel strong, got my weight up, and I’m feeling stronger than before. As far as what I’ve worked on, I’m working on everything like always, every aspect of my game and I’m trying to do whatever I can.
N: Jake, you’ve been on an absolute tear lately, winning fights over guys like Nick Thompson, Robbie Lawler, and Paul Daley. How do you plan on making Miller another one of your impressive victories?
J: I think I’m still getting better. I think I’m still way away from my prime. I’m still confident right now, and I’m just going to go out there and bring it to him. I think it’s going to be a tough fight, and I’m certainly not looking past this fight. It’s a tough fight but I’m prepared for the fight and I plan on going in there and submitting him or knocking him out at some point in the fight.
N: Can you tell fans out there what it’s like being a member of Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and how great is it training with guys like Nick and Nate Diaz on a daily basis?
J: It’s awesome because they train really hard and really good together. Also, I’m really good friends with them. We’ve been together for over eight years now, so it’s kind of nice to come in as opposed to other places and it’s cool to be a part of it there.
N: Now, Jake, many fight fans out there think that your true home lies in a place you’ve never fought, which is the UFC. What do you think about the prospect of coming to the UFC and how do you feel about the competition Strikeforce offers you compared to the UFC?
J: Coming to the UFC has always been a wish of mine. You know, I’ve talked to them on and off over the last few years, you know, and I love the UFC fans. It’s definitely where I’d like to be someday; but at the same time, Strikeforce has treated me great. I’m very happy with them and they have great competition so, you know, I’m taking it one fight at a time and we’ll see where it goes from there.
N: There’s a lot of talk about which weight class you should be fighting at, whether it’s 185 or 170. Which class do you feel most comfortable in and what class do you see yourself fighting in for the future?
J: I most comfortable fighting at 170, but I definitely will be fighting at both weight classes in the future. I fight for the challenge, and to challenge myself, so I’ll go wherever a challenge is.
N: We’ve got some tough questions for you here Jake. You think you’re ready for them?
J: Okay, no problem.
N: Jake, who has the best submission skills over at Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu?
J: You know, that’s obviously a tough question. There’s a ton of good guys there, but, you know, probably Nick [Diaz]. It’s close, but I’d probably say Nick. Although you really see him box in his fights (chuckle)!
N: That’s very true! Who would you say is the most well rounded fighter in your camp and why?
J: I think everyone’s well rounded, you know? All the top guys. We’ve either got really good standup or ground, so I can’t say someone on that one.
N: How about striking? Could you say who is the best striker?
J
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