“They’re Trying to Find Any Route in Hell to Get Him to the Top”- Luke Rockhold on UFC Newcomer Alex Pereira and His History With Israel Adesanya

Posted on by Jim Smarts

Former middleweight champion Luke Rockhold is ready for a return to action. The former Strikeforce champion last competed in July 2019 when he suffered a brutal knockout loss at the hands of Jan Blachowicz, who went on to become a champion himself. After the fight, Rockhold announced that he would be stepping away from the sport for a bit. Now, after a three-year hiatus, the former champion is ready to reclaim what was once his. 

In a recent interview with his teammate Daniel Cormier, Rockhold shared his thoughts on fellow middleweight prospect Alex Pereira. He said, “Pereira sucks. I think he is horrible at every other thing other than striking yes. I don’t think he can wrestle and I don’t think he can do Jiu-Jitsu. That dude beat Israel twice in kickboxing so they’re trying to find any route in hell to get him to the top. If he beats Sean Strickland, the division is wide open.”

While speaking on his path to a title shot Rockhold added, “I think the path is laid, it’s like what? Marvin Vettori is the number one guy in the world right? Marvin Vettori, I think he is tough I don’t think he is that talented. I think he is disciplined and I think he is tough.”

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Luke Rockhold to become a two-time UFC champion?

Rockhold entered the UFC as the Strikeforce middleweight champion, The American Kickboxing Academy fighter defended his belt twice before signing with the UFC. Rockhold’s UFC journey did not get off to a good start as he was knocked out on his debut when he faced Vitor Belfort. 

After that fight, Luke went on a four-fight win streak which included wins over the likes of Michael Bisping and Lyoto Machida among others. This eventually gave way to a title shot against Chris Weidman, a fight he won via TKO in the fourth round. Unfortunately for Rockhold, he lost his belt in his very first title defense. 

Do you think Luke Rockhold has it in him to become the champion once again? Let us know in the comments below!