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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: Luke Rockhold celebrates after defeating David Branch in their middleweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event inside the PPG Paints Arena on September 16, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: Luke Rockhold celebrates after defeating David Branch in their middleweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event inside the PPG Paints Arena on September 16, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Former middleweight champion Luke Rockhold makes his return to the UFC after a long layoff. Rockhold last fought in July 2019 when he succumbed to a stoppage loss against Jan Blachowicz. However, after two years off, the former champion is ready to take on a tough challenge in Sean Strickland at UFC 268.
In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Rockhold shared his thoughts on his upcoming opponent and why he does not like him. He said, “I just don’t like him, man. He’s got a bad attitude. He’s just that guy in the gym that no one likes him. The worst energy you’ve ever felt.”Rockhold continued, “Him saying that he wants to kill people in the ring, like it would be cool if I killed a guy. Like what the f**k are you talking about. Those are the people that need to die themselves. He wants to talk about coming in the parking lot, coming after me…. Motherf***er you come at me, you touch me in the parking lot, I’ll be the one in jail. I promise you that and you will be the one people will have to question if you’re f***ing alive.”
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Can Luke Rockhold bounce back with a win against Sean Strickland?
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Luke Rockhold decided to move up to light heavyweight after going 1-2 in his last three fights at 185-pounds. However, his move up to 205-pounds did not play out as expected. The former middleweight champion was knocked out viciously by Jan Blachowicz in the second round of their fight. Rockhold has not competed since. For his return fight, Rockhold has opted to return to the division where he conquered UFC gold.
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Sean Strickland, on the other hand, is currently on a five-fight win streak. His most recent victory over Uriah Hall was probably his most impressive performance to date in the UFC. If he can secure a win over Rockhold, ‘Tarzan’ will be in strong contention for a title shot sooner rather than later.
What do you make of the fight between Rockhold and Strickland? Who do you think takes the win? Let us know in the comments below!
