Luke Rockhold scored his first win since 2017 in his Karate Combat debut on Saturday.
Stepping into the main event spotlight at KC 45 in Dubai, the former UFC middleweight champion squared off with Joe Schilling, a 17-year veteran of combat sports who had previously found success under the GLORY Kickboxing and Bellator MMA bouts.
In the opening round, Schilling put pressure on Rockhold early but was noticeably gun-shy as Rockhold continued to pepper his opponent with a bevy of kicks. Picking up the pace in round two, Schilling came out swinging from the get-go, but Rockhold used his well-rounded skill set to clinch up and repeatedly send ‘Stitch ’em Up’ to the mat.
With both fighters looking exhausted going into the third round, it was just a matter of time before one of them made a mistake. As it turns out, that would be Schilling. Near the halfway point of the round, Rockhold landed a booming overhand right that sent his opponent crashing to the canvas.
The Santa Cruz, California native moved in, dropping some ground-and-pound strikes forcing the referee to step in and call for the stoppage.
Official Result: Luke Rockhold def. Joe Schilling via TKO.
It was Rockhold’s first win and finish since a September 2017 victory over David Branch at a UFC Fight Night event in Pittsburgh.
Check Out Highlights From Luke Rockhold vs. Joe Schilling at Karate Combat 45:
Luke Rockhold knocks out Joe Schilling in the main event of #KarateCombat45 pic.twitter.com/7zEfcUcokA
— Steven Rae (@stevenrae_) April 20, 2024
Clean right hook from Luke Rockhold to finish Schilling, followed by some GNP #KC45 pic.twitter.com/HrcdEW0gT4
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) April 20, 2024
LUKE ROCKHOLD FANS REJOICE!!! THE DROUGHT IS OVER!!!!!😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/Xg30iTiO0I
— Scott (@CombatPandaMMA) April 20, 2024
Watch the full Karate Combat 45 card below:
