ANAHEIM, Calif. -- This is the UFC 121 live blog for Jake Shields vs. Martin Kampmann, a welterweight bout on tonight's UFC pay-per-view from the Honda Center.
Shields (25-4-1), coming off a victory over Dan Henderson on CBS in April, makes his UFC debut against Kampmann (17-3) for a potential title shot. Kampmann won both his fights earlier this year against Jacob Volkmann and Paulo Thiago.
The live blog is below.
More Coverage: UFC 121 Pictures | UFC 121 Results
Round 1: Shields throws a kicked right off the bat, then looks for a takedown and gets it in the first thirty seconds. He moves into side control and tries to work a little ground-and-pound before attempting to free his leg. He does, moving to side control and then to mount right away. Kampmann bumps him off and gets back to his feet with the round almost half gone. Shields clinches against the fence and gets another takedown, but Kampmann is up again quickly this time. Kampmann gets some space to work on the feet, but seems tentative. So far is Shields doing most of the work in the striking exchanges. Another takedown attempt by Shields before the end of the round, but Kampmann mostly fights it off. MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 for Shields.
Round 2: Kampmann is still hesitant to let his hands go to start the second. Shields presses forward and shoots in, but Kampmann sprawls right away. Kampmann seems to be thinking about a guillotine, but can't get close. Kampmann lands some nice knees in the clinch, but another takedown from Shields isn't far away. Shields passes to side control briefly. Shields passes again and this time goes straight to full mount, but Kampmann bumps him off before he can do any damage. Big John separates them and Kampmann lands a good right before the round ends. Boos greet Shields for the first time in his UFC tenure. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 for Shields.
Round 3: Shields shoots for a takedown almost immediately and gets stuffed. Thirty seconds later he tries it again with the same result, only this time Kampmann kicks him in the head after he gets up. A third takedown from Shields is also stopped and Kampmann moves around the side to land some knees to the body as Shields is down. Kampmann tries to lock in a choke as Shields scrambles, but he can't finish it. Shields stays tight and eventually works into the top position. Shields moves to Kampmann's back in the final minute, locking in a body triangle. He can't get the choke, however, and a shower of boos from the bored crowd welcomes him as the final horn sounds. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Kampmann.
Jake Shields def. Martin Kampmann via split decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29)
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