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This Saturday night, UFC is set to come out with UFC on Fox 15, featuring a stacked line-up of non-title but important fights for divisional contendership. While the undercard has names such as Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza and Ovince Saint Preux competing, it is the main-event that features the most intriguing match-up amongst all.
Luke Rockhold is set to do battle with perennial multi-divisional contender Lyoto Machida in an eagerly anticipated main-event matchup. The winner of this match would make a strong case for the next title shot in the UFC’s middleweight (185 lbs) division. In the week of the fight, Luke was kind enough to spare some time to speak with Sportskeeda, speaking on the upcoming fight and other things in the world of UFC. Below is the complete transcript of my interview with Luke Rockhold.
RM: You have been always considered among the elite in your division within the UFC and now you are within sniffing distance of fighting for the title. What is your mindset heading into this monumental fight against Lyoto Machida?
LR: With the understanding of the magnitude of the fight and everything that comes along with it, I am trying to not sweat it. I am treating it like any other fight, doesn’t matter the opponent, just trying to get better with every fight and be the best fighter I can possible be. I am just focused on preparing the best, clear my mind and go out there and have fun. That’s the key to fighting well, not to let the magnitude get to you and just go out there and fight. So, basically I am not trying to sweat it.
Just delving into your background in martial arts, you have extensively competed in Jiu-Jitsu before your move into MMA. Is it fair to say that is your preferred style of fighting over the others?
Well, while I am good in Jiu-Jitsu and have competed in it before, I am also drawn to the stand-up aspect of fighting, if not more so than Jiu-Jitsu! I like the tactical battle that goes on, on the feet and I really enjoy punching and kicking and playing that chess match on the feet. Having said that, I also really enjoy the transitions on the ground game and to tell you the truth, I feel I am the best at it in MMA in my division. I will be operating at a different frequency than Lyoto Machida and if it touches the ground, it will be a short night!
Having said that, you have some of the best kicking techniques which have been evident in your fights in the UFC. What do you attribute that to? Have you focused on that area since you started in MMA?
Kicking is something I fell in love with early. Even before I did anything on a professional level, I was kicking a heavy bag in my garage when I was a young kid in high school. There’s something about kicking, where it is diverse and because I have long legs I can kick without getting hit back. It’s fun when you watch from a mile away and see a guy crumble after you tag him. I like to be as multi-talented as I can and have always been a fan of Jean Claude Van Damme, he made me believe that a good-looking white guy can kick ass! That’s where it originally it all started from.
You are among the biggest middleweights in your division. How much do you walk around at, when not in camps and how easy is the weight-cut process for you?
Mmmm…I may have a big frame but probably walk around lighter than most middleweights out there in the game. I am usually around 200 lbs the week of the fight, which is not what most guys can claim to be. I don’t really break 210 lbs and don’t get as big as some of the other middleweights, like Wedman, who cross into 220 plus pounds when not fighting. Plus, I am single and like to stay in shape and not really get fat with the family etc.
You had a busy 2014 with 3 fights to your name. How many times do you ideally prefer to fight in a year and how long do you normally hold your training camps for?
3 times a year is pretty ideal for me, I have fought more, probably 4 in a full calendar year with a month off or so. But 3 is pretty good as you put so much into a training camp, so 3 is pretty ideal to rest and maximize your potential, even mentally for you to get a release from the constant grind. I keep my training camps for 2 months, 8 to 10 weeks.
Switching gears, you have been one of the most outspoken fighters with regards to the PED problem in the sport of MMA? What is your take on the new drug-testing process in place by the UFC? Is the proposed punishment as per WADA rules a bit too harsh?
I am excited to see the new testing take place and how they enforce it. At this point, I haven’t seen it and instead guys get the same suspensions as in the past, which is bulls**t. So, until they follow up and perform those 2-4 years suspensions, I will see it and believe it. I believe even with the recent cases of Anderson and Hector Lombard, the punishments were like what it was earlier. So, I’ll just wait and see if everyone gets treated fairly.
What do you think about the Vitor-Weidman fight falling apart the number of times that it has? Is it frustrating to see it happen when there is a list of contenders, such as yourself, who are waiting in the wings?
I want to see the fight happen of course, but I do feel it’s lost its luster a little bit. I am happy that it’s set to happen in May and I think we all know that if it doesn’t happen this time, we are going to move on and the next best guy gets the title shot.
Who is your pick for that fight between Belfort and Weidman? How far away do you think you are from a title shot?
Weidman. Don’t see anything different. I feel I am just a win over Machida away from a title shot.
You are fighting a long-time veteran in Lyoto Machida. His style has always been very elusive and hard to train for. How has your preparation been for this fight and what is your opinion on Machida as a fighter & opponent?
He is elusive but at the same time, we have seen the recipe on how to beat him that certain guys have laid the foundation on. He likes to run a lot, find his timing and so I am going to cut him off, pursue him and make him fight my fight. I am going to trap him, chase him like a dog chases a cat and go in for the kill.
Thanks for taking the time out to answer our questions. Lastly, any message for your fans in India? You think UFC should come to India?
India is pretty crazy and I know there are a lot of fans in there. It would be interesting and I would definitely be interested to go over there. I believe they are planning on an Ultimate Fighter (TUF) out there and when I had been there as part of the Super Fight league, it definitely was a cool experience. It’s a huge market and I would urge UFC to go out there and test that market, given that MMA is getting so big these days.
Be sure to tune into UFC on Fox 15, that comes to you LIVE! on Sony Six on 19th April at 5.30 am IST. We will also be posting our preview and picks for the card shortly.
