Authentic Sports Management

Jake Shields Heads to Japan

Deerfield Beach, Fla. - It was officially announced that former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Jake Shields, a recent signee of top MMA management company Authentic Sports Management (ASM), will return to the country of Japan to face Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 144. Millions of fans around the world and on Pay-Per-View in North America will watch Shields take on the hometown hero in Akiyama LIVE on Saturday, February 26.

UFC 144 marks the first UFC event in Japan since 2000, and it will be Shields' first fight in the Land of the Rising Sun since 2004. In preparation of the bout, Shields will split his training between his camp in California and with Team Jaco Athletics in Florida.

"Everyone at Authentic Sports Management is so excited that the UFC asked Jake to be on this card, as we know this event is a big milestone in Zuffa history," said Glenn Robinson, President, Authentic Sports Management. "But no one is more excited than Jake Shields. Not only is he going to continue the tradition of great MMA events in Japan, he is also going to show the world why he's one of the top talents in the UFC. I can't wait for February 26!"

"As the first ever UFC fight in Japan under the Zuffa banner, I'm excited to be in the co-main event and to represent UFC and Team Jaco," said Shields. "This is my first trip back to Japan in over seven years, so to go back there and take on Akiyama is a great honor. He is going to be a fierce opponent, and I have no doubt this will be one of the best fights on the UFC 144 card."

Jake Shields is one of the most accomplished submission fighters in the sport of mixed martial arts, and has established a reputation as a grappling wizard with strong finishing skills. The California native has competed all over the world, and has faced some of the best fighters MMA has to offer. He's fought in organizations such as Pancrase, Rumble on the Rock, Bodog, K-1, EliteXC, Strikeforce, and now the UFC. During his time as a fighter, Shields has tangled with an incredible tally of fighters, including Hayato Sakurai, Kazuo Misaki, Yushin Okami, Carlos Condit, Mike Pyle, Paul Daley, Robbie Lawler, Jason "Mayhem" Miller, Dan Henderson, Martin Kampmann, Jake Ellenberger, and Georges St-Pierre. He has also captured several titles during his career, including the EliteXC Welterweight Championship, as well as the Strikeforce 185-pound strap.

Facing Shields on February 26 will be a top Japanese competitor in Akiyama. Despite his current three-fight losing streak, Akiyama is a dangerously well-rounded fighter who has finished his opponent in twelve of his thirteen career victories. Shields will certainly face a tough test in Japan early next year.

After the passing of his father and longtime manager Jack, Shields decided to put his career in the hands of ASM. Now faced with the first losing streak of his career, the former champ is bound and determined to rebound against Akiyama and prove that he really is amongst the best 170-pounders in the world. With both fighters looking to get back on the winning track, this bout will surely be one where both fighters let it all hang out and go for broke.

Jake Shields is part of the premier roster of fighters with ASM, including "Suga" Rashad Evans, Kenny Florian, Anthony "Rumble" Johnson, Matt Mitrione, Miguel Torres, Melvin Guillard, Jorge Santiago, Gesias "JZ" Cavalcante, Claude Patrick, Yuri and Danillo Villefort, and Cosmo Alexandre. Companies interested in sponsorship information for Jake Shields or other ASM athletes should email contact@authenticsportsmgmt.com.

About Authentic Sports Management - www.AuthenticSportsMgmt.com @authsportsmgmt Founded in 2010 and based in Deerfield Beach, Florida, Authentic Sports Management (ASM) is a premier sports management and marketing company with a mandate to help clients grow and succeed while building foundations, a personal brand and establishing a life-long positive legacy. Led by Glenn Robinson, President, Neal Tabachnick, General Counsel and Jon Rubinstein, Senior Partner, ASM primarily represents and supports top athletes in mixed martial arts, the fastest growing sport in the world.

Press Contact:
Jen Wenk, APR
jen@starprlasvegas.com
702.635.0995