Immediately following the Saturday Night Fights pre-fight Press Conference on Thursday afternoon, Jake Shields and Nick "the Goat" Thompson shared their final thoughts-- just days before the well-matched fight that will crown the inaugural EliteXC Welterweight Champion.

Below is the conclusion of the "Countdown to Welterweight Gold" blog series.

Jake Shields:

"Two day out from the fight and I feel great. I'm about to start cutting my weight. I weigh-in tomorrow, so right now I'm worried about that. I'm about 13 lbs over-- nothing too bad. I just saw Nick and sized him up. He looks ready to fight and I know I'm ready. I'm excited-- I couldn't be more excited. I would love to fight him right now. I'd like to go out there and get it over with, but gotta wait two days. This is the most excited I've ever been to fight. I want to go out there and put on a good show and try to knock him out or submit him & bring it. Make sure you watch the fight on Saturday-- it's sure to be a good one."

Nick Thompson:

"At this point in time, honestly, the fight is the last thing on your mind. You're tired; you're ready to weigh-in and just get things started. I wish the fight was in 10 minutes. About an hour before the fight I'll start getting nervous, but for now, I'm just focused on making weight and focused on doing all the things I need to do leading up to this fight."

Cris Cyborg: "I see this Fight as a Title Eliminator"

Cris Cyborg addressed a number of questions on a conference call earlier this week. The female face of Chute Boxe addressed a number of topics ranging from her upcoming fight, women in MMA, and Gina Carano.

Watch Cris Cyborg face off against Shayna Baszler this Saturday night at Saturday Night Fights: Lawler vs Smith II live on CBS.

QUESTION: Cris, what are your thoughts on returning to the cage and this fight?


Cris Cyborg: I'm ready to fight. I thank you, EliteXC, for the grand opportunity. I'm ready for it. .


QUESTION: When asked if he has any interest in setting up any female divisions in the UFC, Dana White politely questioned the depth of talent. What is your response to that?


Cris Cyborg: I'd love to fight Dana White to show him how tough women are.


QUESTION: What do you feel your advantages are going in against Shayna?


Cris Cyborg: In addition to my experience in fighting some of the toughest women in the world in Brazil, I also come from one of the most famous fight camps in the world, namely Chute Box...

Watch the controversial first battle between EliteXC Middleweight Champion "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler and Scott "Hands of Steel" Smith.-- FREE until the rematch for the belt this Saturday on CBS!

It's the fight that stole the show at the last Saturday Night Fights and left unfinished business between the athletes. Watch it below or at LawlervsSmith2.proelite.com.

LAWLER vs SMITH I

A special treat for fans in attendance at EliteXC's Saturday Night Fights has been announced: BOTH Gina Carano & Kimbo Slice will be signing autographs inside the Stockton Arena when the doors open for EliteXC: Lawler vs Smith II on July 26th!

Gina and Kimbo will have special photos to sign, however, feel free to bring something along for them to sign if you'd like.

WHO: Gina Carano, Kimbo Slice, & fans of MMA!
WHAT: Autograph Signing Session
WHERE: Lawler vs Smith II at the Stockton Arena (EliteXC booth)
WHEN: July 26th from 2:30pm - 3:30pm
WHY: EliteXC fan appreciation!

After the arena doors open at 2:30pm, come by the EliteXC booth and meet two of MMA's biggest stars!