Jake Shields suspended for six months for using a prohibited substance prior to UFC 150

Well this is new and interesting.

It's been two months since UFC 150: "Henderson vs. Edgar 2" went down at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado, on Sat., Aug. 11, 2012. At that event, Jake Shields returned to the middleweight division to battle Ed Herman, a bout he won via unanimous decision.

But then he failed his drug test.

That's according to the man himself, who had his management team send out a press release complete with his own quotes both admitting to taking a prohibited substance and owning up to it while accepting the six month suspension that was handed down to him by the Colorado Boxing Commission.

"To my friends, fans and the UFC,

Prior to my professional bout at UFC 150 in Denver, Colorado, I used a substance prohibited by Colorado Boxing Commission rules.

This was a mistake that I fully regret. I have shared this issue with my family and the UFC and I have apologized to them and now I also apologize to you, the fans. I promise this will never occur again in my fighting career.

I accept the Boxing Commission's decision for a six-month suspension, which will expire in February. I ask that you accept my apology. I will be back fighting soon, and hope that the fans of MMA will support me until that time."

How about that? A refreshing bit of honesty from a fighter choosing to take responsibility for his own actions.

The substance Shields was taking that caused the failed drug test was not revealed. The reason the Commission didn't disclose the results was because of state laws.

This is the first time Shields has ever tested positive for anything in his long and illustrious pro fighting career. No word just yet from UFC on how they'll handle this, though the company typically lets Commissions handle these matters.

As noted, Shields is eligible to return in February.