Jason "Mayhem" Miller will face Jake Shields (pictured) for the interim Strikeforce middleweight title, according to Miller.Miller announced the fight today in a scheduled chat on MyFightTeam.com, but while Miller stated that he is "set" to fight Shields, FanHouse has also learned from a source close to Strikeforce that the fight has not yet been signed.
But still, all signs point to the fight happening as the matchup has been brought up by Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker during the Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg post-fight press conference.
"The thing about 'Mayhem' he's fighting in Japan and his contract allows him to fight in Japan with DREAM, but he also has a contract with Strikeforce, as well, so you will see him in Strikeforce, " Coker said. "And whether he's fighting for us or for DREAM, 'Mayhem' Miller against Jake Shields, we're trying to put that fight together."
Strikeforce's middleweight belt has been in limbo as the promotion figures out how to handle champion Cung Le's fight career and busy film work. Le, who hasn't defended his belt since winning it in March 2008, told FanHouse recently that he wants to fight but is willing to vacate his belt if his acting schedule does not allow him to compete.
If the fight happens, Shields (23-4-1) will be moving up to middleweight after testing the waters in his last fight at 182-pounds against Robbie Lawler. The Cesar Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt has won his last twelve fights, including a Rumble on the Rock Tournament win and an EliteXC welterweight title reign.
Miller (22-6) was last seen in May taking on Ronaldo de Souza for the vacant DREAM middleweight title until an accidental illegal head kick opened a cut on Souza's head that ended the fight into a no contest. Souza recently signed with Strikeforce so a rematch with Miller is always a possibility in the future.
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