Ever since Rockhold stopped Chris Weidman late last year, the world has been buzzing about their rematch, and who should Rockhold face next. UFC has recently announced Rockhold – Weidman 2 for UFC 199 set to go down in June, and the current UFC Middleweight champion cannot wait to get back inside the Octagon.
Rockhold stopped Weidman in the fourth round with vicious ground and pound and has ended Chris Weidman’s undefeated streak in the UFC. Luke, along with the likes of DC and Werdum have proved that the former Strikeforce fighters can do well in the UFC, and has been enjoying his time in the spotlight.
I recently caught up with Rockhold and discussed on a wide range of topics.
On his victory over Wiedman and the rematch
Talking about his victory over Chris Weidman in December, Rockhold said he envisioned the fight ending the way it did. “Yes, of course. If I have to be realistic, going into the fight with Chris Weidman, I would’ve known that I could do exactly what I did. I wasn’t prepared to let go of the championship due to the infection and the antibiotics, and that made life a lot tougher, and was a different game from the fight itself. So, that was it, knowing that the thing I worked for, you know, working, and that’s what made it all the more worthwhile.”
A lot of talk surrounded Rockhold’s next opponent, with many people believing that Weidman shouldn’t receive an immediate title shot. Among others, Rockhold has had a history with Vitor Belfort, but the Santa Cruz native believes that Weidman is the most credible fight for him at the moment.
“I think Weidman has done a lot to earn the immediate rematch. As far as me giving a shot to Anderson Silva, he definitely does not deserve a match. If you’ve watched what Weidman did to him; Anderson is coming off of a possible steroid test (testing positive), so that definitely should set him back a bit.
If he can prove himself again; it could be Anderson Silva… it’s hard to decide. It could be Michael Bisping who is riding on a winning streak since our fight. That could be another very credible fight there.
Right now, Weidman is the most credible fight for me. Vitor Belfort – steroids, Anderson Silva – steroids; it’s slim pickings at this point, and Chris Weidman has proved himself. So that’s the most credible fight. Yoel obviously got busted, so Weidman is the top contender at this situation.”
On his most dangerous asset – precise kicking techniques
One of the most dangerous aspects of Rockhold’s game has been his kicking techniques, which has been emphasized and highlighted before his fights. Talking about that aspect of his game, Rockhold said, “I think kicking is one of the most underrated aspects of MMA. It’s something that’s just understood, something that comes naturally.
The ability to be kicking up; kicking gives you so much range and distance and allows me to attack and hit and not be hit. It gives me so much length and range, and so many different attacks, it’s just understood and learnt with the punching aspect of things. What it does is, when you’re in the pocket and vulnerable, kicking gives you so many more options.
It gives you so much more freedom. So I explore those, and it comes naturally in the kicking department, especially for a southpaw. It opens up so many avenues of attack.”
Talking about his next fight, Rockhold expressed his opinion about getting back inside the cage as soon as possible. “I’m going to keep my options open. Let Weidman get healthy and come back, and we can make that fight happen.”
He further added, “Anderson Silva shows up, Bisping… those are my logical options at this point. So I’m willing to get through the division, and get fights that I’m excited about.”
How MMA could improve in India
Rockhold has been to India before, and as such, gave his thoughts about what can be done to improve the status quo of MMA in India. He also gave advice to the local fighters, who aspire to fight on the world stage someday.
“From my experience, be the best you can, learn the sport, be knowledgeable and sharpen your tools. I surround myself with the best guys in the world, that’s how I grow.”
“India is obviously heading in the right direction; I think they have that environment. I think the best thing is to bring outside help or try to focus on the best people out there (in India). They just need a backing of some sort, and it all comes to that.”
Tune into Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD on 6th March, at 8:30 AM IST to catch UFC 196, which will be headlined by “The Notorious” Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz. The co – main event will feature Miesha Tate and Holly Holm for the UFC Women’s Bantamweight title.
