Jake Shields built his name through grit, smart grappling, and a relentless pace that overwhelmed opponents.
Fans admired how he pushed forward, fought with precision, and delivered some of the division’s strongest ground control. As his career progressed, he earned respect in multiple promotions and stood as one of the most consistent welterweights of his era.
This article teaches you about Jake Shields’s net worth, last 5 match, biography, fight purses, endorsements, career achievements, spouse, career overview, and more.
Last 5 Matches
| Date | Opponent | Result | Decision | Rnd | Time | Event | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 12, 2018 | Ray Cooper III | Loss | TKO | 1 | 3:00 | PFL 10 | $50,000 |
| Oct 20, 2018 | Ray Cooper III | Loss | TKO | 1 | 3:00 | PFL 10 (Quarterfinals) | $45,000 |
| Aug 16, 2018 | Herman Terrado | Win | Unanimous | 3 | 5:00 | PFL 8 | $40,000 |
| Jul 5, 2018 | Ray Cooper III | Loss | KO | 2 | 2:09 | PFL 3 | $35,000 |
| Nov 12, 2016 | Jon Fitch | Loss | Decision | 3 | 5:00 | WSOF 34 | $50,000 |
Jake Shields’s Biography
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jake Thomas Shields |
| Nickname | Shields |
| Birth Date | January 9, 1979 |
| Birthplace | Summertown, Tennessee, USA |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| College | San Francisco State University |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nationality | American |
| Turned Professional | 1999 |
| Salary | Estimated $100,000+ annually (varies by event & deals) |
| Current Net Worth | Approximately $2 million |
| Relationship Status | In a long-term relationship |
| Years active | 1999–2018 (MMA) |
| Car Collection | SUVs and mid-range sports cars |
| Bike Collection | Dirt bikes and sport motorcycles |
| Top Brands Uses | Nike, Hayabusa, Monster Energy |
| Hobby | Surfing, hiking, grappling training |
| Instagram Profile | @jakeshields |
His early childhood offered him a strong connection to nature because he grew up in a family that often traveled and pursued outdoor activities.
Later, the family moved to California, where his passion for wrestling started to grow. The shift played a crucial role in shaping his future because he began training more seriously as a teenager.
As he continued to evolve as a wrestler and grappler, he recognized that MMA would give him the opportunity to merge his skills and build a long-lasting career. This decision set the foundation for his rise across several global promotions.
Early Career
Jake Shields began his combat path through amateur wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He trained heavily in submission grappling and built strong fundamentals before transitioning to MMA in 1999.
As he continued to fight in regional promotions, his slick ground game helped him stand out quickly. He captured early wins by using pressure, endurance, and consistent grappling control.
Soon, he stepped into larger organizations, and his momentum strengthened because his style worked against both strikers and grapplers. These early years shaped his identity as a dominant ground specialist.
Professional Career
Jake Shields moved into international competition with impressive consistency. As his career grew, he fought in top promotions such as EliteXC, Strikeforce, WSOF, PFL, and eventually the UFC.
His breakthrough arrived in Strikeforce, where he captured the Middleweight Championship after defeating Dan Henderson in a memorable performance.
Later, he signed with the UFC and earned a title shot against Georges St-Pierre after beating Martin Kampmann. He continued fighting in WSOF and PFL, where he faced strong contenders and maintained a reputation as a technician on the mat.
His long journey across multiple organizations proved his adaptability and strength as a veteran competitor.
Jake Shields’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Jake Shields has an estimated net worth stands at $2 million. His earnings come from professional fights, coaching, sponsorship deals, appearances, and grappling events.
Contract
Jake Shields no longer fights under a major long-term contract. During his active years, he signed deals with Strikeforce, UFC, WSOF, and PFL.
His UFC contract offered performance-based pay, win bonuses, and pay-per-view incentives. His PFL contract included fixed earnings per fight plus bonus opportunities during playoff rounds.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Purse | Bonus | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strikeforce: Shields vs. Henderson | Dan Henderson | $150,000 | – | $150,000 |
| UFC 129 | Georges St-Pierre | $75,000 | – | $75,000 |
| WSOF 17 | Brian Foster | $50,000 | – | $50,000 |
| PFL 3 | Ray Cooper III | $35,000 | – | $35,000 |
| WSOF 34 | Jon Fitch | $50,000 | – | $50,000 |
Endorsements
- Monster Energy
- Hayabusa Combat Gear
- Nike Training Apparel
- BJJ & Grappling Seminar Sponsors
Career Records
| Date | Opponent | Result | Decision | Rnd | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 17, 2010 | Dan Henderson | Win | Decision | 5 | 5:00 | Strikeforce |
| Apr 30, 2011 | Georges St-Pierre | Loss | Decision | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 129 |
| Mar 24, 2013 | Jake Ellenberger | Loss | KO | 1 | 0:53 | UFC Fight Night |
| Aug 16, 2018 | Herman Terrado | Win | Decision | 3 | 5:00 | PFL 8 |
| Dec 12, 2018 | Ray Cooper III | Loss | TKO | 1 | 3:00 | PFL 10 |
Career Major Achievements
- Strikeforce Middleweight Champion
- EliteXC Welterweight Champion
- Shooto Champion
- Multiple-time ADCC qualifier
- Longest winning streak of 15 fights during peak years
FAQs
Who is Jake Shields?
Jake Shields is an American MMA fighter known for his elite grappling and long career across top organizations like UFC, Strikeforce, and PFL. He built a strong reputation through consistent performances and championship victories. His win over Dan Henderson remains one of his biggest achievements.
What is Jake Shields’s fighting style?
He uses a grappling-heavy style based on Brazilian jiu-jitsu and wrestling. He controls opponents by applying pressure, smart transitions, and top-position dominance. His ability to neutralize strikers helped him win many high-level fights.
How much is Jake Shields worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Jake Shields has an estimated net worth stands at $2 million. His earnings come from professional fights, coaching, sponsorship deals, appearances, and grappling events.
Did Jake Shields win a UFC title?
He did not win a UFC championship, but he challenged Georges St-Pierre for the welterweight belt at UFC 129. Although he lost that fight, he remained one of the top contenders during his run. His earlier Strikeforce title win remains a highlight of his career.
Where did Jake Shields train during his career?
Jake Shields trained at several elite gyms, including Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy. He developed alongside top fighters and strengthened his grappling under world-class coaching. This training environment helped him adapt to different opponents.
Is Jake Shields retired?
He is semi-retired and no longer competes at the highest MMA level. However, he still participates in grappling events, coaching, and combat sports activities. He enjoys sharing his knowledge with younger fighters.
What are Jake Shields’s biggest career wins?
His wins over Dan Henderson, Carlos Condit, Paul Daley, and Robbie Lawler highlight his career. These victories came in major promotions and showcased his tactical strength. Each win boosted his legacy as a standout grappler.
What weight class did Jake Shields fight in?
He mainly fought at welterweight but also competed at middleweight. His grappling style translated well across both divisions. He gained success because he adapted quickly to different opponents.
Did Jake Shields compete in grappling tournaments?
Yes, he competed in several grappling tournaments, including ADCC. His strong BJJ foundation helped him earn respect outside MMA. These events allowed him to sharpen his technique even further.
What kept Jake Shields successful for so long?
His disciplined training, high fight IQ, and excellent conditioning kept him at the top for years. He also understood how to control fights and avoid unnecessary risks. This approach allowed him to stay relevant across multiple generations of MMA talent.
