“I just want to do the big fights,” said Shields. “I think I showed I can fight at both. I bulked up a little for [the 182-lb. catchweight fight against Robbie Lawler earlier this month]. I’m still moving good. I’m in great shape. I think I can fight at either weight. Obviously guys are a little bigger at middleweight, but I feel like I’m faster there, so I’ll fight where ever they want me.”

Just as he earned his first major world title, EliteXC went under, taking away the “champion” tag Shields had coveted and replaced it with “former,” like we did to begin this article.

No big deal because the Cesar Gracie-trained fighter is already stating his case for an entirely new belt.

“I think for me right now, the biggest fight probably would be Cung Le,” Shields said of his desire to fight in a 5Round contest. “I have a feeling he’s probably not gonna want to do that, so we’re just gonna have to see what happens.”

Although they are “friends” that train across the way from each other, Shields professes that it’s nothing personal, strictly business.

“I want the title. Cung Le’s a good friend of mine, but I think Cung, you either got to give me that belt or you have to step up and fight me,” Shields stated. “You’re a great friend of mine, but that belt, I want it.”

Friendship is one thing, but Shields is making it perfectly clear that legacy is another.