18 Questions for Jake Shields

Sherdog.com: Do you think EliteXC is going to make it and why or why not?
Shields: I’m pretty sure they’re going to make it. I think they’re definitely in trouble right now financially, but I’m pretty sure things are going to work out. I talk to some guys on the inside. I don’t really know what I’m saying and what I’m not, so I’ll just say I’m pretty sure they’re going to make it. Obviously not 100 percent, but I’m pretty sure they’re going to pull through.

Sherdog.com: Is it the quality of fights? Star power? What factors do you think are going to keep them in?
Shields: I just think they’re putting on better and better shows now. I just think the production is top notch -- it’s up there with the UFC. Originally it wasn’t, but when you watch the production, its really like, “Wow, this is a good show.” Not to mention, they’re signing better and better fighters. I think it’s just a positive direction.

They have great exposure with CBS and Showtime. This is the third one on CBS -- that’s why it’s going to do good. The first two shows did great. Even though lots of people bashed the ratings of the second show, that was still way above the average Saturday night, especially for that time of the year, put together in six weeks with hardly any advertising. With this one, its been advertised more. Kimbo’s back on the card, so I think EliteXC is moving in the right direction.

Sherdog.com: One of the things about fighting is that it’s centered in Las Vegas. There was talk about Affliction being run out of Las Vegas by the UFC. Do you think EliteXC is going to have trouble breaking into that market?
Shields: Yeah, you know, I think they do. I think Vegas -- UFC has that in lockdown right now. It’s a really difficult market. I think that’s why EliteXC has been smart to not try and bust in there right away. I think at some point some other shows will move in there, but now is not the time. They’ll have to have those superfights truly when they go into Vegas cause, like I said, UFC has that in lockdown.

Sherdog.com: If EliteXC dies, do you see that as losing a place to fight or a clean slate for you in the long term?
Shields: I don’t want them to die, so it’s probably bad for me. It’s one less big show, but if they die, I think I’m OK, especially if I go out there and look good in this next fight. There’s obviously the UFC with the huge show out there, Affliction, Japan. There’s lots of other options for me.

Sherdog.com: Gilbert Melendez alluded to fighting in the UFC when his contract ends. Would you be tempted to follow him since you guys do everything together?
Shields: I just need to do what’s best for my career. The UFC is the first show I started watching, so I do love the UFC. Hopefully, one day to at least fight in there once or twice. Right now I have to sit back and let my manager see what’s best for my career and we’ll go from there. But certainly St. Pierre is over there. If I’m winning my fights and he’s winning his, its definitely going to be something on my mind.

Sherdog.com: After this, do you think you’re done answering UFC questions for the rest of your career until you actually get there?
Shields: [Laughs] Yeah, I wish. Every interview I get two of those at least.

Sherdog.com: What’s your prediction for the fight with Daley?
Shields: I don’t want to be into predictions. He’s a tough fight. He’s a tough guy, but I think I’m going to be too much for him. I’m going to go out there really hard and try to overwhelm him and hopefully submit him in the first round.