L. Rockhold has been away from MMA since 2019. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Not working since November 2019, Luke Rockhold makes his return to the octagon in a valid fight for UFC 278, in front of Paulo borrachinha. The North American states that he arrives relaxed to get back on the path to victory and points out a change in attitude with an eye on a new chance to compete for the UFC middleweight belt (up to 83,9kg).
“I’m not looking to do anything other than be myself. When I come out of myself, you see what happens. I have shitty performances. When I'm relaxed and have confidence in myself. I'm happy and having fun. These last few years, four or five years, it hasn't really been me, and you can see the change,” said Rockhold, in an interview with journalist Helen Yee.
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Former middleweight champion (up to 83,9kg), the North American also analyzed the main fight of the UFC 281Inter Israel adesanya e Alex Poatán. He detonated the Brazilian's ground game and addresses the Nigerian's 'mental part' as a crucial factor in the outcome of the match.
“It depends on how Israel (Adesanya) fights. If you try to exchange with him, it's because it's in your head. He lost (to Poatan) in a close fight and, when he was knocked out, he let it enter his mind. So if Israel lets him get into its head this time, that's interesting. Israel has to fight MMA. We all know that Alex Pereira (Poatan) is terrible on the ground. Israel could put him down. This boy is dangerous on his feet, so it depends on what space he will have in Israel and how he will deal with it”, concluded the fighter.
Former owner of the belt in the under-83,9kg division, Luke Rockhold has been away from the octagon for a long time. His last fight was in July 2019, when he was brutally knocked out by the Pole Jan Blachowicz. Coming from two consecutive defeats, the former champion has a record of 16 triumphs and five setbacks in the sport.
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