EliteXC 'Heat' Breakdown

EliteXC Welterweight Championship
Jake Shields vs. Paul Daley

Shields Scouting Report

Ht/Wt: 5’11/170 lbs.
Age: 29
Hometown: Mt. Ranch, Calif.
Fighting out of: San Francisco
Record: 21-4-1

The stakes: One of the few EliteXC champions also ranked among the best his division has to offer, Shields is particularly valuable to EliteXC in that regard. However, his position within the wildly competitive welterweight class remains tenuous thanks to the dearth of quality opposition available outside the UFC. In other words, Shields needs to continue his winning ways, as the alternative would render years of resume building moot.

Why he’ll win: One of the few elite grapplers in MMA who understands both the concept and execution of a proper takedown, Shields’ once-conservative style has evolved to make better use of his prodigious ground fighting talents. The results have been a boon for a fighter who was regularly derided for putting a premium on ground control. In Daley, Shields has an opponent who is woefully overmatched on the ground and lacks the kind of iron wall takedown defense to stop his dogged pursuit of a ground-only affair.

Daley Scouting Report

Ht/Wt: 5’9/170 lbs.
Age: 25
Hometown: Nottingham, England
Fighting out of: Nottingham, England
Record: 18-6-2

The stakes: The situation could not be any more important for Daley, as he ended his retirement from MMA to accept this bout. Whatever dissatisfaction Daley felt with his lot in MMA appears to have been resolved by a chance to claim the EliteXC title. Having already made clear his willingness to walk away from the sport at the age of 25, this bout may decide just what role Daley allows MMA to play in his life.

Why he’ll win: Just as Shields enters this bout the unquestioned superior grappler, Daley enjoys the benefit of knowing he can take off Shields’ head if given the opportunity. He isn’t the sort of striker who needs an extended soiree on the feet. Preferring instead to go straight for the jugular with his explosive brand of muay Thai, Daley just needs a stuffed takedown or two to get Shields on the defensive. That would open the door for “Semtex.”


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The bottom line: Overmatched as Shields may be on the feet, he has easily handled explosive strikers in the past by closing the gap and either shooting for takedowns or going straight to the clinch. Daley would be ill advised to count on Shields handing him any opportunities on a silver platter. And since Daley lacks the takedown defense to thwart Shields’ relentless pursuit, it’s only a matter of time before this match hits the ground. The aftermath will test Daley’s willingness to stick around, as a submission loss will be added to his ledger in short order.