Luke Rockhold holds the distinction of being part of a rare group of fighters who have captivated the fans with their success both inside and outside the Octagon. UFC color commentator Joe Rogan had once proclaimed, “He’s cursed with being impossibly good-looking”, and Rockhold’s modeling accolades as the face of Ralph Lauren’s ‘Polo Blue’ cologne do add weight to the statement, but some fans might disagree with the ‘curse’ part!

Rockhold’s dating life has also been the source of much intrigue for the fans as he has been linked to singer and actor, Demi Lovato in the past. Now, in a surprisingly candid moment on the ‘Jaxxon’ podcast, the former UFC middleweight champion has pulled the curtain back on their time together and what happened on their first date!

Demi Lovato and Luke Rockhold’s ‘summer of love’ revealed by former UFC middleweight champion  

Luke Rockhold and Demi Lovato made waves in the MMA sphere when they were spotted attending UFC 205 together at Madison Square Garden in New York City back in 2016. The couple’s relationship began after a meeting in an MMA gym in L.A. while they were both working out and was originally reported by TMZ.

In a recent conversation on the ‘Jaxxon’ podcast with 2-time world IBJJF gi-champion, Ffion Davies, she brought up Rockhold’s dating life as she inquired, “Wait, I wanna ask about someone you dated, but I don’t know if I’m allowed. Demi Lovato, did I make that up?”, prompting a smile from the former UFC middleweight champion.

Rockhold confirmed that he did date Lovato as he recalled the unique start to their relationship and shared, “We got tattoos.” The two share a smiley face on their fingers, possibly as a reference to their whirlwind romance. The conversation then took a turn, with co-host Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson making an inappropriate joke, quickly brushed aside by everyone in the room. ‘Rampage’ followed up with a more serious question, asking if they were together for a significant period.

The former UFC star responded by revealing, “Nah, we were cool for the summer, I swear to god, we hung out for the summer of that… yeah we actually did get tattoos on the first date”, indicating that the relationship was short-lived yet still left an impression on the former UFC star. Currently, Rockhold isn’t under contract with the UFC but has indicated that there is one man who can bring him back to the promotion!

Rockhold wants to come back to “step on” Sean Strickland’s face

Luke Rockhold wasn’t happy with Sean Strickland’s split decision win over Paulo Costa at UFC 302 and the ‘dislike’ may lead to the two clashing inside the Octagon. Speaking on the ‘Jaxxon’ podcast after Strickland prevailed over the Brazilian through 5-rounds on June 1, Rockhold stated, “Sean Strickland. He’s a fake little b**ch. Doesn’t even know who he is…I don’t think he believes the sh*t he’s saying these days, Dana [White] gives me that hall pass, I will come in, step on that kid’s face. ”

The two were linked to a fight scheduled for UFC 268 in 2021 but Rockhold had to withdraw from the bout due to suffering from a herniated disc injury. However, Strickland, in his trademark manner, responded on social media after coming across the former champion’s comments by stating on X, “Couple things… I sparred you 1 round, f**ked you up and you snuck away like a b**ch. This was witnessed…” and referred their canceled fight from UFC 268.

This potential clash promises not only high stakes but also a personal vendetta that would add more intrigue for the fans. However, it remains to be seen if Rockhold does come back to the UFC and faces off against ‘Tarzan’ in the near future. What are your thoughts on Luke Rockhold’s return to the UFC’s middleweight division and his chances against Sean Strickland? Let us know in the comments below!