L. Rockhold (photo) was defeated by Belfort in May 2013. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
Defeated by Vitor belfort in his UFC debut, in May last year in Jaraguá do Sul (SC), the former champion of the extinct Strikeforce Luke Rockhold has become one of the Brazilian's main opponents in MMA. Willing to avenge his defeat and also get closer to a possible title fight, the American has directed harsh criticism at Vitor – who is challenging the champion Chris Weidman in December. Commenting on the duel between Belfort and Weidman at UFC 181, Rockhold cited the end of Testosterone Replacement Treatment (TRT) as a decisive factor for the fight and took the opportunity to provoke his rival's physical form.
“There’s no doubt he’s a different fighter now. Nobody knows how the fight will go, but I don't think he poses much danger to Weidman. He now looks older and his neck looks like a chicken's. Vitor is thin, I don't know how he will maintain his weight at the minimum limit for the category. I saw an interview with him and was surprised by his kindness. He looked like a small welterweight, to be honest,” said the American, in an interview with the radio program “Submission Radio”.
Despite the provocations, Rockhold made it clear that his goal is to face the Brazilian again. “There is nothing I want more than to fight against Vitor belfort. He can say whatever he wants, because I think he's from another planet. Nothing that comes out of his mouth makes sense, his entire life is a lie. I have fun, of course. They want to call me playboy, but I like to have fun. I'm young, single, I travel all over the world and I enjoy it. But I know how to handle business when it's time. So yes, I want more than anything to fight Vitor belfort”, he sentenced.
At 29, Luke Rockhold has a record of 12 wins and just two losses, including the knockout with a high kick suffered by Vitor belfort. The AKA athlete is coming off victories over Costas Phillipou and Tim Boetsch, the most recent on April 26th. Belfort, 37 years old, has a record of 24 wins and ten losses. The “Phenomenon” comes from three consecutive victories and is preparing to challenge the middleweight champion Chris Weidman in the main fight of UFC 181, which takes place at Mandalay Bay, in Las Vegas (USA), on December 6th.
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