A lot of people are questioning his record. A lot of people are questioning his style. One thing no one should question is his heart or indeed his commitment.
Im not saying Ellenburger wouldn't have beaten Shields anyway, or that the loss should have an asterisk, but when they talk about Shields record, it should be remembered where he was coming from at the time. He fought twice more in that year, and won both, getting busted for weed in one of them.
Jake lost to GSP. He lost to Hector, in an incredibly difficult style match up.
He beat two guys that were meant to take him out, in Woodley and in Maia. He also has a pretty win against Lawler, back in the day, by finish. He also beat Herman and Akiyama, although the former was over turned for weed.
In those Maia and Woodley fights he beat two of the top guys in the business, before getting out matched against Hector.
Jakes UFC record is decent enough on paper, however stimulating it was or wasn't for those who lack attention. When you factor in context and competition levels, the guy is a stud, and the Maia fight showed us all just how high class he could be.
I sincerely believe Shields is top 5 in the game, and his H2H against guys like Woodley, Maia and Lawler should tell everyone he is top 10.
Im not saying Ellenburger wouldn't have beaten Shields anyway, or that the loss should have an asterisk, but when they talk about Shields record, it should be remembered where he was coming from at the time. He fought twice more in that year, and won both, getting busted for weed in one of them.
Jake lost to GSP. He lost to Hector, in an incredibly difficult style match up.
He beat two guys that were meant to take him out, in Woodley and in Maia. He also has a pretty win against Lawler, back in the day, by finish. He also beat Herman and Akiyama, although the former was over turned for weed.
In those Maia and Woodley fights he beat two of the top guys in the business, before getting out matched against Hector.
Jakes UFC record is decent enough on paper, however stimulating it was or wasn't for those who lack attention. When you factor in context and competition levels, the guy is a stud, and the Maia fight showed us all just how high class he could be.
I sincerely believe Shields is top 5 in the game, and his H2H against guys like Woodley, Maia and Lawler should tell everyone he is top 10.