Have you ever heard of the saying that a team holds its destiny in its own hands? That’s exactly where Strikeforce middleweight champion Jake Shields currently finds himself.

It almost seemed as though the organization was sending Shields to be put out to pasture before he bolted for the UFC by feeding him to Dan Henderson at “Strikeforce: Nashville .”

Someone forgot to tell Shields the plan because after a dominating victory over an aged and tired looking Henderson, the Gracie jiu jitsu fighter could leave the California-based MMA promotion with title in hand.

Had Shields lost to Henderson, not many expected Strikeforce to shell out much dough for a former champion that’s difficult to market. After all, almost half of his victories have come by a form of decision, although it’s not his fault nobody’s been able to crack the code.

Suddenly, the 31-year-old is the hottest free agent on the market. That’s what happens when you beat someone that once held titles in two divisions simultaneously and is a sure fire hall-of-famer.

Many industry insiders believe Shields will jump ship for the UFC with his 14-fight win streak in tow. Another benefit for acquiring Shields is the fact he can spark new life into both their 170-pound and 185-pound divisions.

by Tim Ngo

Tags: agent, champion, Dan, Dana, free, Henderson, Jake, middleweight, MMA, Shields, Strikeforce, ufc, white