UFC 129: Jake Shields 'Hunting for Submissions' Against Georges St-Pierre

Nick CaronApr 21, 2011

With just under a week left before UFC 129, the stage is already being set for the main event featuring the UFC Welterweight Champion, Georges St-Pierre, and challenger Jake Shields.

But with Georges St-Pierre currently listed as a big favorite in Vegas, many fans believe that the champion is already looking past Shields. There have even been strong rumors, including word from UFC President Dana White, that St-Pierre is considering a move to middleweight to fight champion Anderson Silva.

"He's been the reigning champ for a long time," Shields told USA Today. "If I was in that situation, I would definitely want to move up. But I plan on ruining that for him."

When asked how he plans on attacking the champion, Shields revealed that he saw some mistakes in what St-Pierre’s previous opponents had done.

“[Josh] Koscheck did take him down early on, but after that, he only took a couple of shots,” he said. “I think he got a little discouraged and his eye was hurt. He kind of didn't push the pressure.

"Once he got busted up a couple of times, he kind of let GSP dictate the pace. That's what he likes to do and that's why it's so effective. That's what I don't plan on letting him do.”

Pushing the pace could be the key to throwing St-Pierre off his game, but Shields understands that his best chance may be to force a stoppage against the man who has won eight straight fights in the Octagon.

“I had one point where I had eight finishes in a row, seven of them were in the first round. So I'm definitely hunting for submissions.”

As the underdog in the fight, Shields also feels that he is being underestimated. He explained how the media and fans have come to that conclusion, however.

“He's been in all the fights in the UFC, which gets all the attention. Also, my last fight was probably my worst fight in the last few years.”

His worst fight in the last few years is an understatement. Shields has mostly dominated his competition, but won a highly controversial split decision over Martin Kampmann in his UFC debut. It was also his return to the welterweight division after years of fighting at middleweight.

To prepare for St-Pierre’s tremendous wrestling skills, Shields brought in both Chael Sonnen and Matt Lindland, two world-class wrestlers who are even bigger than St-Pierre.

“Chael has a similar style to GSP, with that flat double, and he's strong and aggressive,” Shields explained. “Lindland's really good in the clinch. So I brought in those guys, mostly for sparring partners, but also to learn things from them, as well.”

Though this fight is for the UFC Welterweight Championship, both fighters have now expressed interest in making the move up to 185 pounds, but for different reasons. While Georges St-Pierre may be looking to go up against a new group of talent including Anderson Silva, Shields is actually looking to avoid another fighter—his teammate, Nick Diaz.

“I'll move up in weight or he'll move up in weight, or we'll find a way to avoid each other,” Shields bluntly said. “Nick's like a brother to me and he's not someone I plan on fighting. I will find a way to avoid it. I'd be willing to move up to '85 if need be, or I'm sure he'd be willing to do the same.”

Diaz is the reigning Strikeforce Welterweight Champion, but has actually been rumored to be looking for a boxing fight as opposed to another MMA fight.

UFC President, Dana White, has been very vocal about teammates needing to fight one another, but before we have to worry about that, Shields will have to overcome the man who many believe is the greatest welterweight mixed martial artist of all time.