Current EliteXC welterweight champion Jake Shields (Pictures) is not in a rush to defend his belt. A fight at 185 pounds in a different organization is being negotiated, according to his father and manager Jack Shields.

MMAWeekly.com was the first to report Shields’ surprise proposition Thursday.

"Jake has been offered an opportunity to fight a top-five middleweight and he would love to do it,” said the elder Shields.

Shields did not reveal the intended opponent or the promotion courting his son. It is not clear if Shields has an exclusive contract with EliteXC.

The development comes after the former Rumble on the Rock champion was rumored to defend his title against UFC veteran John Alessio (Pictures) in EliteXC.

“John Alessio (Pictures) has been mentioned also sometime along the line, the company just acquired him. Paul Daley (Pictures), both good opponents,” he said. “I'm sure Jake will fight both of them before his time [in EliteXC is over]. But right now, a top-ranked middleweight and Jake would like to take that chance."

The Cesar Gracie (Pictures) black belt returned to training on Monday, but it remains unclear whom the champion is preparing to fight. Possibilities outside of the Pro Elite family are Strikeforce fighters Cung Le (Pictures) and Frank Shamrock (Pictures). Shields expressed a desire to fight Shamrock after his defeat of Nick Thompson (Pictures) on July 26.

The Affliction banner, which is actively signing top talent, could be looking to alter an already-announced Matt Lindland (Pictures)-Vitor Belfort (Pictures) clash to secure a fight with Shields. Dream, a promotion that has been actively working with Shields teammate Nick Diaz (Pictures), will crown a tournament champion on Sept. 23 and may provide a formidable opponent.

"Elite has been cool in the past about letting their fighters fight outside of their organization," said Jack Shields. "Jake's a fighting champion and he likes a challenge and they know that. We're trying to work it out with them.”