Steroid abuse has been an age-old subject that has hounded the world of mixed martial arts. The UFC at present is the biggest MMA organization in the world. However, several of its athletes have popped up for taking banned substances so far. Former UFC welterweight Jake Shields is one such fighter that makes that list.
The 44-year-old has primarily remained a welterweight throughout most of his UFC career. Throughout his professional career, he has fought several gifted athletes. The list includes Paul Daley, Dan Henderson, and former UFC champions GSP, Robbie Lawler, and Tyron Woodley, amongst many others.
Pic: UFC 150 weigh-in staredown Jake Shields vs Ed Herman pic.twitter.com/Cm8eraFi
— ♛Fit4aKingMMA♛ (@Fit4aKingMMA) August 10, 2012
However, a lot of his accolades seemed to fly under the radar because of his failed drug test in 2012. UFC 150 saw the former Strikeforce middleweight champion defeat Ed Herman by unanimous decision. Soon after the bout, Shields failed a post-fight drug test, turning his win into a no-contest.
Jake received a six months suspension as a result. But It wasn’t until three years after that the 44-year-old revealed the substance he had taken. Shields appeared before the Nevada State Athletic Commission seeking a license to fight Brian Foster at WSOF 17. He admitted to taking a ‘diuretic’ to help with his weight cut.
Jake Shields applying for fighter’s license in Nevada, reveals substance he tested + for in Colorado in 2012 was diuretic to make weight.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) January 12, 2015
Speaking to the commission via telephone, Jake said he received the substance from, “Someone I know through another fighter.” Jake further continued, “I don’t really know too much about it, to be honest. Obviously it was a mistake, and I served my suspension.”
Shields fought for the welterweight title while headlining UFC 129 against GSP. Unfortunately, he fell short of putting his hands on the gold strap in his only title opportunity in the promotion. Jake last fought in the Las Vegas-based company in 2014, losing at the hands of Hector Lombard via decision.
Conor McGregor confronted Jake Shields before UFC 196
During the above-mentioned NSAC meeting, Shields concluded with, “I learned from my mistakes. I definitely don’t want to go through what I went through before.” However, little did Jake know that his past would continue to haunt him far ahead in his career.
During his infamous build-up to his first fight with Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz accused the Irish megastar of abusing steroids. During one of the pre-fight pressers, the Stockton native looked at Conor and said, “You’re on steroids.”
Conor was quick to respond back with, “I’m not on no steroids. What the f**k are you talking about? Your two teammates were on steroids. Your two boys [Jake Shields and Gilbert Melendez]. The Skrap Pack. Remember that? Did you know they were taking that stuff?”
Prior to the epic staredown between Diaz and McGregor, ‘The Notorious‘ confronted Jake Shields backstage. Jake has been Nate’s close friend and training partner since fans can remember. Conor told one of Nate’s teammates, “The f**k you lookin’ at? I’d strangle you in a heartbeat. And you [Jake Shields] as well, you little juice head.”
Shields immediately responded with, “I’d slap the s**t outta you.” Good thing the officials were present to constantly keep the two at bay. What do you make of the whole incident? Do let us know in the comments down below.