Kampmann-Shields Set for UFC 121

Jake Shields has signed a multi-fight deal with the UFC that will see the 31-year-old fighter join the promotion’s welterweight ranks, his manager and father, Jack Shields, confirmed with Sherdog.com on Monday.

Shields will face Dane striker Martin Kampmann at UFC 121 "Lesnar vs. Velasquez" on Oct. 23 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., confirmed the elder Shields. The bout will mark the San Francisco native’s first one at 170 pounds in three fights.

Long rumored to be UFC bound, the former EliteXC welterweight and Strikeforce middleweight champion was released of his remaining contractual obligations by Strikeforce on June 30, after the two parties couldn’t execute a renewal contract.

Shields successfully defended his title against former Pride Fighting Championships champion and UFC middleweight Dan Henderson on April 17 in Nashville, Tenn. The Cesar Gracie black belt totes an impressive 14-fight win streak into his Octagon premiere and holds key victories over Robbie Lawler, Paul Daley, and Carlos Condit. Shields hasn’t lost a bout since 2004.

Xtreme Couture’s Kampmann has notched back-to-back wins in the Octagon against wrestler Jacob Volkmann and Brazilian striker Paulo Thiago, who Kampmann out-pointed at UFC 115 on June 12 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar will defend his title against Cain Velasquez in UFC 121’s main event.