Jake Shields v. Robbie Lawler in May
Robbie Lawler and Jake Shields
The reported bout between Jake Shields and Joe Riggs at Strikeforce’s April 11th Showtime debut is now off. Instead, Shields will look to make his promotional debut in a middleweight bout with former EliteXC champion Robbie Lawler in May, Strikeforce confirmed at a Hollywood California press conference on Thursday. The event is set for May 16 in Tacoma, Washington and is also expected to feature a light heavyweight title fight.
Both Shields and Lawler have been held out of action due to the October collapse of EliteXC, though Shields has fought more recently, submitting Paul Daley on October 4. Lawler on the other hand last fought in a technical knockout victory over Scott Smith in July. Before Strikeforce made the deal to acquire some EliteXC assets, including around forty fighter contracts, there were rumors that both fighters were being considered for acquisition by the UFC, if they could get out of their ProElite contracts.
Shields is a ground ace trained under Cesar Gracie, with notable wins over Hayato Sakurai, Yushin Okami, and Carlos Condit. Though he normally fights in the Welterweight division, he had previously mentioned an interest in moving up to Middleweight to potentially test himself against either Lawler or Affliction fighter, Matt Lindland.
Lawler is traditionally a stand up fighter training with Matt Hughes’ H.I.T. Squad, and holding notable wins over Chris Lytle, Frank Trigg, and Murilo Rua. Lawler began his career in the welterweight division, but later moved up to Middleweight, where he has remained.
There have been no indications whether or not Riggs will remain on the April 11 card against another opponent. To see more of the rumored card for the May event, visit our May Strikeforce rumors page, or you can view the updated April 11 card on our Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz rumors page.
Tags: Jake Shields, Robbie Lawler
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that’s interesting…not a great match-up for shields though. welcome back right?
That is a fantastic matchup. The only problem I have is I don’t know who to root for. I really like both fighters and hope neither gets a loss. One thing is certain, Lawler will test Shiels’ chin.
Shields’ Chin
This should be a good fight. I don’t think this will go to a decision as their styles clash too much. I give it Lawler on the feet and Shields on the ground. Obvious prediction though.
I also like both fighters. Lawler can problably ko Shields if the fight stays standing and if he can avoid being taken down. Shields can obviously get a submission victory if he’s able to take the fight to the ground. This is a great fight with to of the top guys IMO in the sport. I wish they would get out of their contracts and get signed by the UFC where they belong. Lawler by tko or ko in the 3rd.
This is going to be a very interesting fight. However, I do see Lawler taking this one. If he can avoid the early take down he will probably get the stoppage in the third round. Either way, I am looking forward to seeing this fight.
Sheilds v Lawler, well ok if StrikeForce wants to put this fight on rightyO’, this clearly is the old striker v grappler match~up I’m just rather concerned if Sheilds can take one on the chin from Lawler.. Mind you Paul Daley hits hard ya but I don’t believe as hard as Robbie hits, perhaps this is a setup match for winner v winner and loser v loser (Diaz v LiL Shammy Shamm)~(Sheilds v Lawler)… Think about it…. If LiL Shammy Shamm wins and Lawler wins they get to face off for the #1 contender against Cung Le… That would mean that Diaz v Sheilds for the WW title.. If Diaz and Lawler win well here comes a rematch that people would want to see.. Then perhaps the LiL Shammy Shamm v Jake wouldn’t be that bad of a match anyways… There are alot of ways to look at this I just wonder if these two fights (4 fighters) are being set up for title shots in kinda a 170lbs~185lbs type tourney, hey food for thought
old, striker v grappler*