Recently Retired Luke Rockhold Teases MMA Return In 2023

The former UFC champ could be making a comeback once again.

Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold on Instagram

Luke Rockhold may not be done with MMA after all.

‘2023 Could Get Interesting’

After returning from a three-year layoff, the former UFC Middleweight Champion officially hung up the gloves after a hard-fought battle and third-straight loss against Paulo Costa at UFC 278. However, it looks like those gloves won’t stay off for long. 

Since calling it quits in August, Rockhold would end his 2022 by hinting at another go in MMA in the new year. 

“Putting the old rig to the test. 2023 could get interesting,” Rockhold wrote on his Instagram.

A String Of Defeats

The 38-year-old hasn’t gotten his hand raised since 2017, when he defeated David Branch by TKO. Following the impressive win, Rockhold’s luck would simply run out. 

Rockhold was set to challenge then-champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 221, but Whittaker was forced to withdraw from the title fight. Then, Rockhold would get a crack at the interim title against Yoel Romero, who had missed weight by 2.7 lbs. Romero rocked Rockhold in round 3 TKO.

Things wouldn’t get better for Rockhold as he was knocked out by Jan Blachowicz in his move up to light heavyweight in 2019. And then, of course, recently against Paulo Costa, who edged the former champ by a unanimous decision. 

While he may be winless in his last three fights, Rockhold still has aspirations of being the best in the world, a dream that would come true for him when he finished Chris Weidman to become the UFC Middleweight Champion back in 2015.

Published on January 1, 2023 at 6:01 pm
Stay up-to-date with the latest MMA news, rumors, and updates by following the RED Monster on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. Also, don't forget to add MiddleEasy to your Google News feed Follow us on Google News for even more coverage.

Related

Leave a Comment