Luke Rockhold thinks he’s in his prime ahead of his next fight.
The former UFC Middleweight Champion is set to make his first post-UFC appearance at BKFC 41 on April 29th. Rockhold will be making his promotional debut against ‘Platinum’ Mike Perry in the main event slot.
‘I’m Better Than I’ve Ever Been’
Rockhold, 38, believes he’s simply better than ever. He plans to show just that (and then some) to the world when he steps into the BKFC ring for the first time against Perry.
“I got more skill, I got more will, I got more everything than Mike,” Rockhold told Middle Easy. “I appreciate Mike’s dog that he has in him and he wants to test himself a bigger against, against a champion. I know he’s seen me go up through the ranks, I’m sure he’s looked up to me at some point so I can see it in him. He wants to test himself. He thinks he’s got an angle. He thinks he’s got an age advantage. He thinks he’s got this. It’s just time to remind the world. I just started reminding people who I am and I’m gonna continue that process.
“This is gonna be an acceleration of who the f*ck I am. I think I’m better than I’ve ever been, especially my boxing. Everyone remembers like I was so good at kicking and so good at grappling. I would just force my way into that situation cause it was the easiest way to win. I’m not a dumb fighter. I’m gonna fight the smartest way possible. And it lacked my boxing skills. It took away and I jeopardize myself in other realms. But I can box, mind you.”
Rockhold’s Prediction
While most of Rockhold’s wins in MMA came by submission, the former champ has some knockouts on his resume. He’ll look to add Perry to that list when he puts him ‘face down’ in Colorado.
“I’m gonna show people who the f*ck I am. I think people will be entertained for sure. I’m gonna come out there and fight no matter what happens. I’m gonna come out there and fight like a f*cking dog… I see myself putting this kid face down.”
Rockhold Reacts To Perry Wiping A ‘Booger’ On Him
In the first face-off between the two fighters, Perry would pick his nose and wipe a ‘booger’ on Rockhold’s coat. Rockhold didn’t seem to be too bothered by this in the moment and why would he be, considering the fact that he rubbed blood all over Paulo Costa’s face in his last outing.
But, Rockhold would have a few words to say about Perry’s move.
“You can do fake boogies wipers and then you can do real blood snot fucking blows in your fucking face and your mouth like I did against Paulo [Costa],” Rockhold continued. “I’m gonna have the last laugh. So, Mike can play his role. Trust me, everything comes back tenfold. I don’t fucking play games like that. I play for real. I play for keeps.”
