Just a few days ago, Luke Rockhold lost his first match in his bare-knuckle fighting championship debut bout. Although he is no longer a UFC fighter, the former champion is still hoping to join the promotion and compete for the title against Israel Adesanya.
Luke and Mike Perry, two former UFC fighters, engaged in octagon combat at the much-anticipated BKFC 41 showdown. In the main attraction of the event at the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, Colorado, the two American mixed martial artists put an end to their dispute.
Mike Perry defeats Luke Rockhold by TKO RD 2 #BKFC41 pic.twitter.com/Ob0Vhg4fAx
— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) April 30, 2023
What future professional endeavors does Luke Rockhold have in mind?
Although Rockhold was unsuccessful in his bare-knuckle fight with Mike, the former middleweight champion is not yet exhibiting any signs of slowing down. In a recent interview with Just Scrap Radio, the 38-year-old fighter expressed his desire to return to Ultimate Fighting Championship and face the reigning middleweight champion.
“I’ve always been intrigued by an Israel fight. He is awesome and an amazing fighter. I think I’m getting better. I can test him. My striking has gotten so much better over the years, and as long as I’m in shape and I get things. I think I present a lot of problems for Izzy.”
Former UFC champion Luke Rockhold is in the BKFC ring 👀 #BKFC41 pic.twitter.com/tbj7zxrD1n
— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) April 30, 2023
Israel Adesanya defeated Alex Pereira by landing a devastating punch to the left side of his face in the fourth minute of the second round in the main event of UFC 287 on April 8 at the Miami-Dade Arena in Miami, Florida. Rockhold during the interview, also discussed the Adesanya-Pereira match and praised Izzy for having such a fierce fighting mentality.
“I thought it was insane. He put everything into it and people say what they say but he took the shots, got compromised, and landed the blows. All the credit to Izzy. I have nothing but respect. I like watching the kid fight. He’s f*****g awesome. A true champion.” Rockhold added.
Luke Rockhold says he's "not done" after #BKFC41 loss.
📰 https://t.co/P396XXBWzf pic.twitter.com/Tuj9YUOS62
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) April 30, 2023
Do you believe that Luke Rockhold might sign a new contract with the UFC? If so, do you believe Luke will be able to face Israel Adesanya in a title fight? Comment below and let us know what you think.
