Luke Rockhold reveals that personal tragedy motivated him to resume his career in MMA

L. Rockhold hasn't fought since 2019, when he was beaten by J. Blachowicz. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

In preparation for returning to the octagon after three years of inactivity, Luke Rockhold He opened up about what motivated him to resume his career. Opponent of Paulo borrachinha No. UFC 278, which takes place on August 20, the former middleweight champion revealed that he had been through a family tragedy. In an interview with 'MMA Junkie', the veteran narrates the personal drama.

“I know this is not what is at issue now, but I went through an abortion and had a relationship end. It was a lot to handle. I'm 37 years old, I needed that, I wanted that, then everything fell apart. Did it hurt. She was at a turning point, understanding where my life was. Having a baby on the way, preparing me for all of this. (…) Having to make decisions, many things were not correct. There was no truth on both sides and it left me shaken,” she said.

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After the private drama, Rockhold revealed that he had problems with excessive alcohol consumption. After a period that he considers unruly, the fighter stated that he has found the motivation to return to MMA.

“I forced myself to change my life for the better. Since then, I haven't been drinking. (…) I'm not saying I stopped drinking, I'm just not drinking. I was drinking too much, enjoying myself too much. It wasn't helping. (…) One glass of wine leads to another and my body doesn’t like it. When I'm training, my body doesn't like alcohol. (…) I am very motivated. And that. Every part of me wants it and I'm not going to do anything that could jeopardize (a return to MMA). I will do more than Costa (Paulo borrachinha) and I will do more in the Octagon”, he concluded.

UFC middleweight champion between 2015 and 2016, Rockhold is not experiencing the best days of his record. The athlete has not won a match since September 2017, when he knocked out David Brunch.

In his last commitment, in 2019, the fighter had an unsuccessful test at light heavyweight (up to 93kg.). On that occasion, the veteran ended up being severely knocked out by Jan Blachowicz.