UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Jake Shields is back in the mix, but in a different capacity than when he left the MMA world.
After two decades of competing, Shields (33-11-1) was burnt out and in need of a break. He didn’t fully avoid martial arts, however, as the paychecks continued to come in from his work at Gilbert Melendez’s El Niño Training Center in San Francisco.
As Shields became more comfortable with the idea of making a return to the MMA circuit in some capacity, the rug was yanked out from under him when the California government mandated gyms to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Timing is everything, and with the state of the world being what it was Shields decided it was time to capitalize on his restored love for being around high-level fighters and fights.
“I needed a little break but now I’m starting to enjoy it again,” Shields told MMA Junkie on Friday. “I started watching a lot of fights again. I started coaching guys. I’m excited to start a little podcast (and) give that a try. That’s a fun thing to do, start watching fights and breaking them down – just to get involved in the sport again.”
In addition to upping his social media game and launching “The Jake Shields Podcast,” Shields works as a part-time coach for high-level fighters. Now living in Las Vegas, Shields works with professional fighters at Xtreme Couture, including Bellator bantamweight contender Patchy Mix, who he cornered at Bellator 258 this past Friday.
“I wouldn’t necessarily say (I’ll be a) full-fledged coach,” Shields said. “Doing that part-time, it wasn’t something I was planning on doing. When I moved to Vegas, all the guys were training and asking for help. I was like, ‘OK, this is a fun way to stay involved in the sport.’ If I’m not fighting anymore, I can still be involved in fighting. It feels good to be out here in a camp. It’s not quite the same as fighting but it’s almost that same feeling.”
Shields, 42, has not competed since the 2018 PFL season when he went 1-1 in the regular season before elimination came against Ray Cooper III in the opening round of the playoffs.
While he’s never formally announced his retirement from fighting, Shields told MMA Junkie it’s unlikely he steps back into the cage for competition purposes – unless the right opportunity arises.
“I’m been competing in some grappling stuff,” Shields said. “That’s a fun way to keep me active: pro grappling. As far as fighting, I’m not saying I wouldn’t fight again but it’s unlikely at this point. If I had some sort of offer who was another guy who was a big name and older. I’m not trying to fight these young, up-and-coming kids. I’d fight another guy who’s been around forever if that was there. Other than that, I’m not actively looking for fights.”
Check out Shields’ full interview below:
‘Unlikely’ to fight again, Jake Shields enthused to return to MMA as coach
