UFC News: Luke Rockhold confirms his move up to Light Heavyweight
What's the story?
Former UFC Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold has finally decided to go a step further in the UFC, as the former World Champion has announced his move up to the Light Heavyweight Division.
In case you didn't know...
At UFC 194, Luke Rockhold won the UFC Middleweight Championship and marked his very first title win in the UFC. Rockhold, however, went on to lose his title to Michael Bisping at UFC 199 in one of the biggest upsets' in MMA history, considering that Bisping stepped in to take the fight on 11 days' notice.
The heart of the matter
While conversing with Submission Radio, former Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold seemingly confirmed his move up to the Light Heavyweight Division, additionally claiming that he's not really impressed with the current state of the Middleweight Division and is also sick and tired of compromising his body at 185. (H/T: Bloody Elbow)
“Getting stronger is the recipe, light heavyweight is the course. I’m coming for these guys. I’m just not really impressed with what’s going on right now in that division, and I’m tired of compromising my body. I’m a better fighter where I fight naturally and bigger. I’m long overdue moving up, and I’m done with middleweight. It’s time to move up.”
Rockhold further stated that he has been considering moving up to 205 for quite some time now and also shared his opinion on the current state of the division, which apparently features some Middleweight washouts.
“I’ve been killing myself for many years now trying to make that weight. It makes me less of a fighter. You’ve got guys making waves at light heavyweight that are somewhat laughable. Couple of middleweight washouts reaching into the top 10 within a few fights. I’m just not impressed with these guys. They’re a little sloppy in so many ways and I see openings. I mean, the rest of the division, there’s a couple of good guys up there, but I don’t see much.”
What's next?
As of right now, Luke Rockhold's move up to the Light Heavyweight Division hasn't been confirmed and the former Middleweight Champion is yet to step into the Octagon since February.
2019 is definitely going to be interesting for the AKA fighter.