Former Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold Warns the Light-Heavyweight Division That He is Coming…
Luke Rockhold has had a tough time lately. He’s dropped two losses in his last three fights. Michael Bisping took his middleweight title from him at UFC 199 in 2016, with a devastating knockout. After a year out he took on and defeated David Branch. Then he lost a title eliminator to Cuban maestro Yoel Romero in brutal fashion.
At 33 years of age, Rockhold is facing a decisive moment in his career. Having lost his title and any chance of reclaiming it in the space of a year, a move upwards could be on the cards. The California native was one of the UFC’s most highly touted fighters, and after his initial title fight victory over Chris Weidman, it looked like the stars were his limit.
A move to the light-heavyweight division is looking more and more likely for Rockhold. The cut to make middleweight is brutal for him. At a heavier weight, he could be more effective and efficient. The new face of Ralph Lauren spoke to Ariel Helwani and warned the light-heavyweight division to take notice.
Not Fun
Rockhold made it clear, during his appearance on the MMA Hour, that he isn’t likely to be seen again in the middleweight division. The weight cut is just tough for a man as big as Rockhold. He told Helwani:
“I don’t see me coming back, man. The weight cut is too much on me. As you get older, your bones get bigger. The last couple cuts have been pretty brutal on me. I had trouble regulating my body temperature and all that shit. It’s not fun. It’s not a fun cut anymore.”
In all reality, there aren’t likely to be many more opportunities for him in the division anyway. With champion Robert Whittaker indefinitely out with injury, Yoel Romero waiting, and other contenders like Kelvin Gastelum on the rise, Rockhold has fallen behind.
Moving Up
One of the main reasons why Rockhold hasn’t moved up before is because of his American Kickboxing Academy teammate, Daniel Cormier. The former Olympian is the current champion at light-heavyweight but is moving up to face the heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic in a genuine super fight.
This leaves Rockhold with an opportunity to establish himself in the division without having to worry about crossing paths with his friend. Swedish superstar Aleksander Gustafsson has been vocal about wanting to face Rockhold in the past. The American is enthusiastic about the idea.
“I like it,” Rockhold said. “I think it was petty coming after me so early. I don’t know if he was trying to get under DC’s skin, but I’ll be coming. I’ll be coming to 205. I’m gonna handle my business and you better be sure I’m coming for that ass too.”
Very interesting
A potential fight against Gustafsson would be very interesting. If the lesser weight cut genuinely makes a difference, then Rockhold could be an absolute killer at light-heavyweight. He’s been linked to a trilogy fight against Michael Bisping at light-heavyweight as well.
Rockhold’s mooted move up does not guarantee success. Gustafsson isn’t nicknamed ‘The Mauler’ for no reason. He’s a brilliant stand-up artist and looked superb in his comeback fight against Glover Teixeira. With Rockhold’s recent history of getting knocked out, it could be potential career suicide. Sean Shelby, please make it happen.
