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Henderson vs. Edgar segment

Cerrone vs. Guillard segment

Shields vs. Herman segment

The UFC is officially returning to Colorado with UFC 150: Henderson vs. Edgar II.

UFC 150 is set for August 11 from the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado.

In the main event, Benson Henderson will defend the UFC lightweight title for the first time against the man he took it from earlier this year, Frankie Edgar. Henderson scored a decision victory over Edgar, and the UFC granted “The Answer” an immediate rematch due to the close-nature of the call.

Other bouts scheduled include Yushin Okami vs. Luiz Cane, Jake Shields vs. Ed Herman

The main card will air live on pay-per-view.

Ticket info below.

• UFC Fight Club Presale: Wednesday, June 13, 1 p.m. ET
• UFC Newsletter Presale: Thursday, June 14, 1 p.m. ET
• Public On-Sale Date: Friday, June 15, 1 p.m. ET

Tickets can be purchased at Ticket Horse. Prices range from $45 to $300.

The latest UFC 150 news can be found in our Fight Card section on MMA Convert.

Photo credit: Esther Lin/MMA Fighting

Jake Shields will return to the middleweight ranks, as UFC president Dana White confirmed his next opponent late Monday night.

Shields, who has competed as a welterweight since joining the UFC, will face Ed Herman at UFC 150 on August 11 from Denver, Colorado.

“UFC 150 Sat Aug 11 Denver, CO Middleweight Bout Ed Herman VS Jake Shields. I like that fight!” White posted on Twitter.

Shields has competed as a middleweight before, securing the Strikeforce title in the division. He has went just 1-2 in his last three fights, prompting the move to from welterweight. In his career, Shields is 27-6-1.

Herman (20-7) has won his last three fights and his 4-1 in his past five, with the lone loss coming to Aaron Simpson.

A rematch between UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson and Frankie Edgar is expected to serve as the main event for the evening. Shields-Herman is likely to be part of the main card.

Photo credit: Esther Lin/MMA Fighting

FUEL TV’s Karyn Bryant speaks with former UFC welterweight contender Jake Shields as he mulls over his potential move back to the middleweight division.

Former UFC welterweight top contender Jake Shields is believed to be on the move to the middleweight division.

However, Shields doesn’t know for sure if he will fight at middleweight next, or remain at welterweight; or, for that matter, who he’s fighting.

“I’m just trying to lift a lot of weights, eating a lot, gaining a little weight. I’m putting on a few pounds on, just gotta make sure it’s the right kind of weight,” said Shields, during a recent interview on the UFC on FUEL TV 2 post-fight show. “I imagine within the next week or two I’ll have a for sure answer (on moving to middleweight).”

Shields is a former champion at middleweight, securing the Strikeforce title before signing with the UFC. He defeated Martin Kampmann in his debut inside the Octagon, but was stopped short by Georges St-Pierre and suffered a knockout loss to Jake Ellenberger.

In his most recent fight, Shields defeated Yoshihiro Akiyama in Japan. In moving to middleweight, Shields could have a much quicker run to another title shot, as the welterweight division remains stacked at the top right now with GSP, Carlos Condit and several others leading the way.

Photo credit: Esther Lin/MMA Fighting

Jake Shields entered the UFC fresh off being named the Strikeforce middleweight champion. However, Shields did not remain in that division, instead opting to slide down to welterweight.

After defeating Martin Kampmann, Shields earned a shot at UFC welterweight champ Georges St-Pierre. GSP defeated Shields, and Jake Ellenberger earned a KO victory over Shields in his next match, as well. Now, the California fighter is contemplating a move back to middleweight, as he told Damon Martin of MMA Weekly recently.

Right now, I’m trying to bulk up and see how I feel. It’s not 100-percent, but I’m waiting to see on an opponent and then I’ll take it of course. I’m in no rush. If they call with an opponent at 85, I’d take it right now cause I’ll have enough time to bulk up. I’m not opposed to fighting at 70. If they call with a good offer for a fight at 70, then I’d take that, as well.

In his last bout, Shields defeated Yoshihiro Akiyama via decision. The move to middleweight would allow Shields a clearer path to a possible title shot, along with the opportunity to not worry about cutting as much weight as he currently is. Also, Shields has talked about wanting to face UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva in the past, so there is always that gold at the end of the rainbow for him.

Photo credit: Esther Lin/MMA Fighting

It was announced Tuesday night on “UFC Tonight” that Jake Shields will head to the middleweight ranks for his next fight inside the Octagon.

Shields competed for the UFC welterweight title, falling to Georges St-Pierre via decision. After a loss to Jake Ellenberger, Shields rebounded to defeat Yoshihiro Akiyama earlier this year.

However, it seems now that the former Strikeforce middleweight champion will return to 185. During his time in the division, Shields defeated such notable fighters as Dan Henderson, Jason “Mayhem” Miller and Robbie Lawler.

The 33-year-old sports a career record of 27-6-1, and could become a quick challenger in the division if he can secure a big-name fight this year. With age starting to become a factor, staying at a higher weight class should allow Shields more time to work on training and staying in condition, instead of worrying about cutting weight.

Photo credit: Esther Lin/MMA Fighting

Jake Shields went from contending for UFC gold, to fighting for his spot in a matter of months.

After entering the UFC on a 15-fight win streak, Shields was defeated by Georges St-Pierre for the UFC welterweight title. Following a knockout loss to Jake Ellenberger, Shields rebounded to defeat Yoshihiro Akiyama earlier this year.

Now, with his confidence back, Shields has been working on improving his striking and is awaiting word on a future opponent, as he told Heavy.com’s Duane Finley recently.

I came so close to the title and fell short. Now I feel like I’m close again. I’ve beaten the current (interim) champion, Carlos Condit, and Martin Kampmann, who is a top contender right now. I know I can beat these guys, and it all depends on me working my way back up and getting my shot. I’m not sure what’s next, but hopefully the UFC will give me a contender so I can get back up where I want to be.

With everyone aware of his excellent submission skills, striking has become a focus for Shields while working with the crew at Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

My striking still has holes, but it has gotten a lot better. I am going to continue to work and develop my skills and I believe in the next year, I’ll be able to stand with the best strikers out there.

The list of contenders in the welterweight division is long right now, and with the belt tied up between Condit and GSP, it remains to be seen which direction Shields is sent off in.

Photo credit: Esther Lin/MMA Fighting

MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani caught up with Dana White, Ryan Bader, Anthony Pettis, Jake Shields, Tim Boetsch, Hatsu Hioki and Vaughn Lee following UFC 144 to get their thoughts on the fights. Also, post-fight interviews with Ben Henderson and Ryan Bader via UFC.com.

(more…)

UFC 144 takes place later tonight at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. The event airs live on pay-per-view at 10pm ET/7pm PT. The pay-per-view broadcast will be preceded by prelim specials on Facebook at 7:30pm ET/4:30pm PT and FX at 8pm ET/5pm PT.

In the main event, Frankie Edgar puts his UFC lightweight title on the line against Ben Henderson.

In the co-main event, Rampage Jackson returns to Japan to take on Ryan Bader.

Mark Hunt meets Cheick Kongo in a heavyweight bout.

Jake Shields looks to end a two-fight losing streak against Yoshihiro Akiyama.

Yushin Okami faces Tim Boetsch in a middleweight match-up.

Hatsu Hioki takes on Bart Palaszewski in a featherweight bout.

Joe Lauzon and Anthony Pettis meet in a lightweight match-up.

Results, recap and bonuses after the jump.

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