Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold is looking to branch out ahead of his upcoming bout against former WSOF middleweight champion David Branch.

Rockhold came up training at the American Kickboxing Academy, winning both the Strikeforce and UFC middleweight titles under their tutelage. But with injuries plaguing the gym, Rockhold took to social media to announce that he would be doing his training for Branch in Florida under the tutelage of Henri Hooft, but insisting that AKA will “always be his home.”

AKA has long carried a reputation as an injury-prone gym as a result of their aggressive training style. Several of their top competitors have withdrawn from marquee matchups in recent years, and Rockhold in particular has had issues staying healthy, withdrawing from bouts due to injury four times dating back to his Strikeforce days. Most recently, he was supposed to rematch Ronaldo Souza last November but pulled out due to a knee injury.

A change of scenery could be just what Rockhold needs as he attempts to put himself back in the title picture after 15 month layoff. Working with one of the premier striking coaches in the world in Henri Hooft also likely won’t hurt him.

Rockhold takes on David Branch in the main event of UFC Fight Night: Pittsburgh on Sept. 16, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Misinformed. Showtime Exec Stephen Espinoza disputes Dana White’s claim that they have Malignaggi sparring footage to use in promos.

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VIDEO STEW

Snoopcast highlights from the week.

Ricky Hatton and Jack Marshman on MayMac.

The mainstream roundup.

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LISTEN UP

Press Row. Luke Thomas joins to talk about the NAC’s lack of standards.

MMA Mad. Jimmie Rivera interview.

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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Max making his point with Conor’s own words.

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Dana not being honest? I don’t believe it.

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Great fight.

On top of the world.

He dead.

This happened.

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ben Askren (16-0, 1 NC) vs. Zebaztian Ladestam (9-3); ONE Championship, Sept. 2.

Fabricio Werdum (21-7-1) vs. Derrick Lewis (18-5); UFC 216, Oct. 7.

Ryan Bader (23-5) vs. Linton Vassell (19-5, 1 NC); Bellator 186, Nov. 3.

Stephen Thompson (13-2-1) vs. Jorge Masvidal (32-12); UFC 217, Nov. 4.

Angela Hill (7-3) vs. Nina Ansaroff (7-5); UFC Fight Night: Norfolk, Nov. 11.

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (22-8) vs. Jared Cannonier (10-2); UFC on Fox 26, Dec. 16.

Alessio Di Chirico (10-2) vs. Oluwale Bamgbose (6-3); UFC on Fox 26, Dec. 16.

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TODAY IN MMA HISTORY

2010: Dominick Cruz won a split decision over Joseph Benavidez to retain his WEC bantamweight title.

2012: Ronda Rousey submitted Sarah Kaufman with an armbar in 54 seconds to retain her Strikerforce bantamweight title in her first title defense.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

8 days.

Take it easy and see y’all Monday.

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If you find something you'd like to see in the Morning Report, just hit me up on Twitter @JedKMeshew and let me know about it. Also follow MMAFighting on Instagram, add us on Snapchat at MMA-Fighting, and like us on Facebook.