After more than two years away from UFC competition, Luke Rockhold is primed to return. The reasons for his long layoff can be attributed to a series of surgeries and – at least for a moment there – retirement consideration.
Now the former UFC middleweight champion says he’s healthier and has the urge to fight again, and things might not have played out that way if not for the break.
“It was definitely much-needed time off, and I was enjoying the time and just trying to diversify and get some freedom, some head space,” Rockhold told MMA Junkie Radio. “I’ve been in the game for so long, it was nice to be able to get out and do what I want, when I want, and how I want to do it.”
Now it’s back to business for Rockhold, who is slated to fight Sean Strickland on November 6 at UFC 268. By then, Rockhold will be 37, and how the rest of his career unfolds is anyone’s guess.
That includes whether or not he’ll finish his final years as a UFC fighter or set himself up to test free agency and perhaps sign with Bellator or PFL.
“I think there’s more light to it now, with everything else and all these promotions and the money and the backings that they have,” Rockhold said. “I’d never close the door on anything. Paychecks are great elsewhere. UFC is not always the best option anymore. There’s a few guys at the top, but you’re still entering a big battle with (the UFC) that it’s just not really exactly a fair playing field.”
One thing that’s clear from Rockhold’s words is that he isn’t fond of how the UFC does business with fighters.
“Guys like (UFC heavyweight champion) Francis Ngannou are getting shelved for asking for his worth, and they’re creating interim titles, which is all bullsh*t,” said Rockhold, who won the Strikeforce middleweight title after the UFC bought the promotion in 2011. “I mean, this is the type of sh*t you have to deal with. I’m not always here for it. I’m not gonna be here for it. I’m gonna speak my mind exactly how I want, to say what I say, what I feel. Like it or not, f*ck, I’m here. I’m gonna respect myself publicly. I’m not gonna disrespect myself, which is what a lot of people do, which is the common narrative with the UFC and what Dana White has created – to shut down fighters and criticize champions.. …
“The narrative that they’ve created is for the fans to want to hate on fighters, and it’s just bullsh*t. You’ve got to go out there, respect yourself, and get paid. This is the f*cking fight game. We’re the fighters, we’re the entertainment, and we deserve our worth.”
You can watch the full interview with Rockhold in the video below:
Luke Rockhold: UFC, Dana White created narrative ‘for the fans to want to hate on fighters’
