Luke Rockhold announces change of UFC category

L. Rockhold remained in the middleweight division for 11 years. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @lukerockhold

Luke Rockhold Since his debut in professional MMA in 2017, he has been in the middleweight division. The fighter won the category belt in the now defunct Strikeforce and UFC. After 11 years in the 93 kg division, the American announced his move to light heavyweight in 2019.

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In an interview with the North American program Submission Radio, Rockhold revealed that the change should have taken place in 2018. The offer to face Chris Weidman at UFC 230 changed his mind. However, he was removed from the fight and was replaced by Ronaldo Jacare after suffering an injury. Luke admitted that losing weight made it easier for bruises to appear.

“I was ready to move up, and they seduced me with this fight at Madison Square Garden. I made myself believe I could do it, but my body fell apart in camp. Everything started to fall when my weight started to decrease more and more. As the stress of the fight grew, my body just fell apart,” said Luke.

When analyzing future opponents, Luke said he was not impressed, as some fighters are 'middleweight rejects'. He still plans a quick rise and a fight for the category belt.

“You have guys making waves at light heavyweight that are kind of visible, you know? Some middleweight rejects managed to reach the top 10 in some fights. The division is open. I'm ready for the party (...) Anthony Smith, Yes. Santos also came recently. These guys… I'm not impressed. I'm not impressed with these guys. They're a little sloppy in a lot of ways. I see gaps. I'm ready to climb. The rest of the division, there are some good guys there, but I don't see much. (…) I would like one or two fights before facing the winner of one of these title fights”, concluded the former middleweight champion.

At 33 years old, Rockhold is coming off a defeat to Yoel romero at UFC 221 in February this year for the interim middleweight title. The North American has a record of 20 fights with 16 triumphs and four setbacks.