L. Rockhold hasn't fought since 2019, when he was beaten by J. Blachowicz. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Ready to resume his career after almost two years of inactivity, Luke Rockhold continues to have difficulty finding an opponent. According to reporter Ariel Helwani, the former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) tried to confirm a confrontation against the new UFC pupil, Khamzat Shimaev, but ended up rejected by the Swede. For the journalist, the North American vented about the failure in the negotiations.
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“With all due respect, I thought he would fight anyone,” Luke said.
According to Ariel, Luke stated that the reason for the refusal was due to the weight category. Willing to be among the welterweight elite, the Swede showed no interest in testing himself in the under-83,9kg category.
Middleweight champion between 2015 and 2016, Rockhold has not performed since his failed attempt to test himself at light heavyweight (up to 93kg). In July 2019, the North American moved up a category and agreed to face Jan Blachowicz, but ended up badly beaten with a knockout in the second round.
The attack on Chimaev could mark the Swede's return to the octagon after problems with the consequences of Covid-19. The Swede, who came to Ultimate with a reputation for not rejecting confrontations, had – and won – three fights in a space of less than three months.
The bet on Khamzat was such that the UFC decided to give the athlete a chance to face Leon edwards in a confrontation that could lead him to a welterweight title fight. The Swede, however, ended up contracting the coronavirus in December and, since then, has not performed professionally.
Professional in MMA since 2007, Rockhold has 21 fights in the sport. The 36-year-old athlete currently has 16 wins and five losses.
Considered a 'phenomenon' by Ultimate's president, Dana White, Khamzat is undefeated in mixed martial arts. The 26-year-old athlete has nine consecutive victories.
Luke Rockhold tells me he was offered a main event vs. Khamzat Shimaev on Aug. 28. He said he accepted but just got word Chimaev declined because he's staying at 170. He also accepted a 3-rounder vs Chimaev on Aug. 7.
"All respect but I thought he would fight anyone," he said.
- Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 23, 2021
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