Multiple sources have now confirmed the UFC’s signing of former Elite XC and Strikeforce champion Jake Shields. The veteran will make his promotional debut against Martin Kampmann at UFC 121. The card will take place on Oct. 23 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif..

Despite recently campaigning at middleweight, ProMMANow.com has been able to confirm that Shields will begin his UFC career in the welterweight division.

On June 30, Strikeforce released their middleweight champion after it became clear they would not be able to reach a new contractual agreement. During his time in Strikeforce, Shields defeated Robbie Lawler, Jason “Mayhem” Miller and Dan Henderson. Shields has not lost since dropping a unanimous decision to Akira Kikuchi back in 2004. His current winning streak currently stands at 14 straight and includes wins over Yushin Okami, Paul Daley and Carlos Condit.

Kampmann was one win away from earning a shot at Georges St. Pierre’s welterweight title back in 2009. However, Paul Daley knocked him out at UFC 103 and sent him back down the proverbial mountain. Since then, the Dane has been able to put together back-to-back quality wins over Jacob Volkmann and Paulo Thiago to get back into contention.

Headlining UFC 121 will be a heavyweight bout between champion Brock Lesnar and challenger Cain Velasquez. Lesnar recently defended his belt with a come-from-behind victory over Shane Carwin, while Velasquez earned a title shot with a dramatic knock out of former Pride FC champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.

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