(Updated): Jake Shields Close to Signing With UFC, Returning To Welterweight

** Ariel Helwani of MMAFighting.com has reported that UFC President, Dana White replied "Not true," via text message regarding the news on GracieFighter.com

 

Helwani went on to say that White did confirm that the two sides are indeed still negotiating the contract. 

 

 

 

 

 

The UFC's welterweight division got a major boost on Thursday night when GracieFighter.com announced the signing of Jake Shields to the UFC.  

 

Shields departed Strikeforce as their middleweight champion, but will now return to his natural division, welterweight for the UFC.

 

“Jake Shields will be debuting at the 170 lbs weight division in the UFC. After careful consideration and consulting with UFC representatives it was determined Jake would be finally going back to his original fighting weight.”

 

Shields opponent has yet to be announced, but according to the site it will be one of the organization's top fighters.

 

“Jake's opponent is one of the UFC's top contenders and will be announced shortly.”

 

Many of the organizations top 170 lb. fighters are currently scheduled for upcoming fights with Jon Fitch vs. Thiago Alves, Carlos Condit vs. Dan Hardy, Matt Hughes vs. Ricardo Almeida, and the king of the division, Georges St. Pierre, facing Josh Koscheck after they conclude taping of the Ultimate Fighter.