Shields Intent on Proving Himself to UFC Fans

The long-standing take on Jake Shields: he's probably the best fighter not named Emelianenko that the UFC could never get its hands on.

That point of view is now officially obsolete, as Shields will make his long-awaited promotional debut at UFC 121 on Saturday, Oct. 23 at the Honda Center. The Cesar Gracie product spoke to the press during Wednesday's pre-fight conference, stating that although he's had an impressive career thus far, he still has more to accomplish.

“It's been a long, hard road. I'm new to the UFC, but I've been at [MMA] for 11 years,” said Shields. “It feels surreal to be sitting here between Tito [Ortiz] and Brock [Lesnar], but it feels like it's where I belong. I have a lot to prove. A lot of UFC fans don't know who I am. I have to prove that I belong to be here.”

UFC president Dana White has already publicly stated that Shields is probably next in line for a title shot pending a win over Kampmann, a decision that some make take issue with considering Shields' lack of UFC experience.

“Actually, he just beat Dan Henderson,” said White. He should get a title shot based on that, but the timing of him coming into the UFC being what it is [with champion St. Pierre locked into a title fight with Josh Koscheck], he needed to have another fight.”

Shields' victory over former the former Pride Fighting Championships two-division champion occurred in his last bout for rival promotion Strikeforce. After weathering an early flurry from “Hendo,” Shields used his wrestling and jiu-jitsu to control the veteran, riding out a unanimous decision victory. The 31-year-old holds a 14-fight winning streak heading into his showdown with Kampmann on Saturday. Despite the talk of title shots, Shields is focusing on the task at hand.

“It's very important that I don't look past Martin,” said Shields. “He's a phenomenal fighter. Of course I'd love to get a title shot, but I'm not looking past Martin.”

Though White has endorsed Shields' title aspirations, the same is not true for the Dane, who is coming off back-to-back victories over Paulo Thiago and Jacob Volkmann. White asserted that while the Dane was not quite in the title picture if he beats Shields on Saturday, he would definitely be “back in the mix.” Kampmann shared his approach to fighting the former two-division Strikeforce champion:

“I have to deal with him like any other guy. I have to come to beat him up. It's the same stuff. He's just another guy in front of me,” he said.

On the subject of being included in the title picture, Kampmann spoke frankly.

“We all dream about getting a title shot, but first I've got to beat up Jake. Then, I can try for title shot. It's up to Dana to decide, but I'd love to.”

UFC 121 will be headlined by a heavyweight tilt between Brock Lesnar and Cain Velasquez for Lesnar's heavyweight championship. Also on the card will be a light heavyweight showdown between one-time champion Tito Ortiz and his former “TUF 3” pupil Matt Hamill.