Rockhold treats return to MMA as uncertain: 'I'm not interested in fighting right now'

L. Rockhold may retire from MMA for good. Photo: Reproduction Facebook UFC

The North American, Luke Rockhold, is far from being the athlete who, one day, was at the top of the world of mixed martial arts. After facing a sequence of three defeats in four fights, the last in a brutal knockout in his light heavyweight debut, the athlete shows no motivation to continue moving his career forward. In an interview with Ariel Helwani, the former middleweight champion said that he is not thinking about returning to the sport at the moment.

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“I have no interest in fighting right now,” said Luke, who, according to the interviewer, said he may never fight again.

Rockhold's fortunes began to change when the American lost his middleweight belt in a defeat to Michael Bisping (2016), which marked a major turning point in the organization’s history. Luke, who had also been champion in the now defunct Strikeforce, beat the Brazilian Ronaldo Jacare, in 2011, even signaled a recovery, when he defeated compatriot David Brunch.

In 2018, Rockhold had the chance to compete for the interim middleweight title, but ended up beaten by the Cuban Yoel romero in a brutal third-round knockout at UFC 221.

With the new setback and far from a new fight for the belt, Luke then opted to try his luck in the division that is reigned by Jon Jones. Right on its debut, Ultimate cast the combatant in a duel against a true beast. Rockhold had to go through the Polish Jan Blachowicz to prove that he could still be competitive and produce good fights for the company.

The expectation of a good performance, however, was short-lived. In the first minutes of the fight, held in UFC 239In July, Luke showed that his physical characteristics were below those necessary to face a stronger opponent accustomed to situations in the category. The North American attempted some takedowns, but ended up frustrated by his opponent's efficient defenses.

With visible difficulties, it was a matter of time for Jan to achieve a good victory over the former middleweight champion, confirming yet another knockout suffered by the North American.

If he chooses to end his career, Rockhold, 34 years old, will leave a professional record with 20 fights, 16 wins and four losses.

Outside of mixed martial arts, the athlete usually does some work as a model for big brands.