Jake Shields steps up to the plate to defend his EliteXC welterweight title for the first time on CBS, October 4th.

His opponent: Britain’s Paul ‘Semtex’ Daley, widely considered to be the best welterweight in the UK – if not the best fighter in any weight class.

Styles Make the Fight

This fight is a classic matchup of striker versus grappler, with whoever manages to implement their gameplan coming out the winner.

Jake Shields is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Cesar Gracie, while Paul Daley is a Muay Thai kickboxing fighter who’s known for spectacular knockouts.

The Weakest Link

While both fighters share equally dangerous strengths, one point to look out for is the difference in their areas of weakness.

Paul Daley’s history shows he’s had a very hard time with submissions … of his six losses, 4 of them came via submission chokes. Jake Shields, on the other hand, has shown that while he’s not a knock out artist, he knows how to hang on the feet.

So while Daley should be greatly concerned at the prospect of ending up on the ground, Shields is good enough with his stand up that trading with Daley won’t be a death sentence.

The Last Word

In the end, I have to give this fight to Jake Shields on account of his experience and having gravity on his side.

Most fights just end up on the ground sooner or later, and it’s foolish to think this fight will be any different.

While a surprise knockout from Daley wouldn’t surprise me all that much, I’m expecting Jake Shields to make quick work of Paul with a first round submission, probably a rear naked choke.