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Just a few years ago, Luke Rockhold was considered one of the brightest prospects in all of MMA, with the potential to lord over the middle weight division for year to come. Now, almost impossibly, it appears the former middleweight champion is strongly considering calling it a career.
Speaking with ESPN’s Ariel Helwani recently, Rockhold said he currently has no designs on fighting again.
“I have no interest in fighting right now,” Rockhold said.
It’s easy to see why Rockhold feels that way. After losing his middleweight title when Michael Bisping knocked him out in 2016, Rockhold rebounded with a comeback win over David Branch. He then was knocked out yet again, this time by Yoel Romero in an interim title bid. Following that loss, Rockhold spent the better part of a year battling a shin injury which required multiple surgeries. He finally made his return to the cage in July, jumping up to the light heavyweight division with designs on reinvigorating his career. Instead, he once again fell prey to a left hook, getting knocked out by Jan Blachowicz at UFC 239. That loss prompted UFC President Dana White to encourage Rockhold to retire from the sport and evidently, Rockhold feels the same way. Though he says he’s not ready to make a formal announcement because he doesn’t like “closing doors,” when asked if he it was possible he’d never fight again, Rockhold was clear.
“Very [possible].”
Should this be the end of Rockhold’s career, he retires with an excellent resume. Though his recent rough run brings it down some, Rockhold has a career record of 16-5 and is the only man to have held both Strikeforce and UFC titles.
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Beef. Israel Adesanya goes in on Jon Jones, bringing up hit-and-run, USADA incidents.
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USADA. UFC newcomer Melissa Gatto receives one-year USADA suspension for failed drug test.
VIDEO STEW
UFC Boston Preview Show.
Khabib ditched his own press conference in Moscow. Looks like he’s trying to get in on the BMF title game.
Zhang Weili calls out Joanna.
Kang got a BMF promo.
TTTHS.
LISTEN UP
Fights Gone By. Dissecting the biggest fights at UFC Boston.
UFC Unfiltered. Interviews with Kevin Lee and Uriah Hall.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Winn on missing weight.
All nonsense aside, I’m excited to get in the cage tomorrow night. I take full responsibility for my mess up but now it’s time to rock. Sorry to those who I let down and thank you to the ones who stay loyal with me. https://t.co/RjDdcDe66F
— Deron Winn (@DeronWinn) October 17, 2019
Harsh but fair.
If u can’t make weight u fuk
— Chito Vera (@chitoveraUFC) October 17, 2019
Chael still beefing with Tito.
Tito, you’ve had that old belt for 16 years and still don’t know how it snaps together? pic.twitter.com/J2KDG3DdNc
— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) October 17, 2019
Tito narc’d to IG, folks
— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) October 17, 2019
He’s
TEKASHI 68
the off-brand
SNITCH
of the
WEEK
And now he’s beefing with Campbell McLaren too.
@ChaelSonnen I don’t know you but saying Tito vs Alberto will be a work is a huge insult and slur on my reputation as one of the creators of our sport. Fuck you. Stronger words to follow. https://t.co/KLYZZmHpN0
— Campbell McLaren (@campbellcombate) October 17, 2019
Camptown McLawrence or whatever...
— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) October 17, 2019
You have to HAVE a reputation in order for someone to cast a slur on it.
Luckily, in your case, you don’t.
So we’re good.
Enjoy the fake fight.
ChaCha https://t.co/XScPg0DDBa
And Chael you need a sense of humor to make jokes. https://t.co/duyPDhUJah
— Campbell McLaren (@campbellcombate) October 17, 2019
Oh
— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) October 17, 2019
And...
Nice pic
You look like the night manager at a Wendy’s in Wichita
It would take 2 years to teach Tito Hogan’s “Leg Drop” finish-So I’m guessin’ you’ll do a DQ or a run-in by one of your interns in “Sting” makeup...
— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) October 17, 2019
That poor sap Campbell shook the wrong tree
— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) October 17, 2019
Man Michael Bisping has been through it.
New, stranger beef.
Last time I’m saying this you’re in trouble already I’m coming for you! @Benaskren keep abt BJJ https://t.co/zOMDV92kYd
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) October 18, 2019
Im shaking in my boots! I mean i've never heard a fighter talk tough before. How original. https://t.co/C95qdbAYwm
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) October 18, 2019
I can beat you @Benaskren on a wrestling match. Since u are afraid to fight me and get knocked out again let’s do this. After Demian taps u out and u get cut from the UFC we can do it on the mats. My rules or your rules. @flograppling or @flowrestling set it up BOOM ROASTED! https://t.co/PmlO7KGH9P
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) October 18, 2019
Mike’s still got it.
I’m not getting back in the ring but I could just paying it forward. Love talking to this generation of fighters. @Justin_Gaethje @OttmanAzaitar . pic.twitter.com/xlW57OJtch
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) October 17, 2019
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Doo Ho Choi (14-3) vs. Charles Jourdain (9-2); UFC Busan, Dec. 21.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Enjoy the fights tonight and see y’all on Monday.
EXIT POLL
Poll
Who wins tonight?
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