Strikeforce has released their current middleweight champion Jake Shields. Speculation began immediately after the champion’s successful title defense against Dan Henderson in Apriil. Now it appears as if the door is open for Shields to sign with the UFC.

Sherdog’s Loretta Hunt reported the story late on Wednesday and cited Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker and Jack Shields, the fighter’s father and manager, as sources.

Prior to the release Shields was in the matching phase of his contract. The fighter’s contract with Strikeforce had expired; however, under the terms of the agreement they were allowed to review and match any contract offer from a rival entity. This release effectively ends that period and allows Shields to enter full free agency.

After starting his career with an impressive 12-4-1 record, Shields entered Rumble on the Rock’s welterweight tournament. He defeated former UFC champion Dave Menne, top contender Yushin Okami and former WEC champion Carlos Condit to claim the tournament title. After that he signed with Elite XC and defeated Nick Thompson to win the promotion’s welterweight belt. After the promotion disolved, he moved to Strikeforce and captured their middleweight title by defeating Jason Miller.

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