PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania- When Luke Rockhold walked out to the cage at PPG Paints Arena on Saturday night, the crowd, it was the first time that he had made that walk since losing his UFC Middleweight Championship. Rockhold suffered the devastating loss to Michael Bisping in a fight that Bisping took in replacement of Chris Weidman when Weidman pulled out due to injury. Rockhold was stunned that night in the first round as Bisping connected with a punch that would crown “The Count” the king of the division. Since then, Rockhold has been away from the cage and preparing to regain his gold.
He made the first step to reclaiming his gold on Saturday night by defeating David Branch in a fight that saw Rockhold weather the storm in the first round before taking Branch’s back in the second round. He rained down on Branch with strikes as he controlled the position, causing Branch to tap out due to strikes. It was an impressive performance that showed that Rockhold had been there, done that. He let Branch swing and gas out, allowing him to swoop in and get the finish.
What he did after the fight was quite notable as well. Rockhold told Georges St. Pierre to get out of “his fight” with Michael Bisping for the UFC Middleweight Championship taking place at Madison Square Garden. He went on to say GSP “doesn’t belong here”, referring to the Middleweight Division the former UFC Welterweight Champion has bumped up to in order to take this title fight.
Luke Rockhold is best for business and the information above proves why.
First off, he draws fans’ attention whether they like him or not. Whether they boo him or cheer him, Rockhold gets the reaction the UFC craves. He sells tickets and that’s very important.
Second off, he is arguably the best fighter at 185 pounds. He can fight on his feet and when he gets to the ground, there are few better. He has faced the best of the best and have defeated most of them. Talent obviously matters in the world of sports.
Rockhold wasn’t too overly excited about his victory, stating quietly that “a win’s a win.”
After looking shaky in the first round and getting caught by David Branch, Rockhold discussed how being out of action for over a year played into his fight tonight.
“There’s a lot of bridges you’ve got to cross, but its not my first rodeo.”
When discussing that, Rockhold mentioned his fight with Jacare Souza, explaining how he silenced a lot of talk about him when he went all five rounds to get the victory.
Rockhold sets his eyes on Michael Bisping, feeling confident the next title shot is his. He even went as far as to say he really doesn’t think GSP will show up.
“We’ll see, we’ll see if that fight comes to be.”
Rockhold also stated he wouldn’t be opposed to fighting “the true champion” of the division, Robert Whittaker.
So sure, maybe you don’t like him. But Luke Rockhold certainly is best for Middleweight Division. He’s willing to fight at a moment’s notice and will put on a show. And now he’s ready for Michael Bisping as soon as he can get a shot at him.
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