Luke Rockhold ended his MMA career with a bang in and out of the octagon.
Blood was shed at UFC 278, and in the co-main event, Rockhold made sure Paulo Costa left with a reminder of what they’d gone through. Costa beat Rockhold in a close-fought unanimous decision, winning fight of the evening honors.
The fight gained him new respect in the MMA world. Rockhold’s fight week hype was focused on external issues. Rockhold highlighted fighter pay issues and even targeted UFC President Dana White for disrespecting him throughout his career.
After Rockhold’s final fight, White openly expressed how he’ll “never say anything” bad about the 37-year-old and that he “totally respects” him.
” It was a great feeling to be treated with the respect that I deserved. But, Rockhold said MMA Junkie . People want me to be this. I’m sure the Polo [modeling] deal didn’t help — people just hated me even more. But that was the thing with Dana in the first place. He disrespected me when I lost the title and said, ‘You ain’t s***. He said, “You weren’t this,” and I was like, “F*** you dude.” I’ll go make my money elsewhere.’
“He’s like, ‘F***, fine, go do it,’ and guess what? I became the face of Polo Ralph Lauren, I had a worldwide commercial, I had [my face in] every airport in the world, and then Dana and the UFC were like, ‘Oh, can we give you this? Can we give you that?’ I did it so I could have leverage and respect. This is why I did it. This was my whole purpose in that situation and I received some back. It was then that I received a lot disrespect because it is all naive. They paint the image for what they want to see .”
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Rockhold has continued to stay in the gym and be active with his training since retirement. As history has shown, MMA retirements truly never seem to last and Rockhold has already teased recently how an Alex Pereira title win at UFC 281 next month could lure him back. Time will tell if the underrated middleweight staple is actually done for good.
TOP STORIES
Explanation. Uriah Hall reveals why he returned for boxing match after retiring from MMA, addresses pay compared to UFC
Fights. Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva PPV price revealed along with full main card for the event
Struggle. Aspen Ladd describes how she ‘roasted’ her body in the weight loss that resulted in UFC’s release.
Zuck. UFC has partnered with Meta to offer live events and streaming in VR via Fight Pass
.
Trailblazed. Kevin Holland speaks about his short-lived retirement.
Goal. Brandon Royval wants to finish Askar Askarov at UFC Vegas 62, make Alexandre Pantoja rematch ‘undeniable’
Comeback. T.J. Dillashaw looks to claim ‘135-pound GOAT status’ after having ‘never lost my belt in this weight class’
VIDEO STEW
Between the Links with Grant Dawson.
Hallbell virtual presser.
Grasso vs. Araujo preview.
Cub Stanson’s most memorable hits (literally).
UFC Journey.
Bisping gets freaky.
Aljo insight.
UFC is the most powerful rival.
LISTEN UP
Heck of a Morning. MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck discusses who Henry Cejudo should face in his UFC return fight, and Khabib’s confidence in Islam Makhachev.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Can’t deny it wouldn’t be another classic.
Is a fourth rematch on the horizon for these two DOMINANT champions? #WeAreONE #ONEChampionship pic.twitter.com/7ZksFt3KMp
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) October 13, 2022
Pain.
Every morning this week I’ve spilled coffee on myself as I’m walking out the door late to everything or covered on coffee. Been a great week lol
— Casey Oneill (@kingcaseymma) October 13, 2022
It’s not much but honest work.
— Amanda Nunes (@Amanda_Leoa) October 13, 2022
Again.
//
WIN
NOW
HERE
// pic.twitter.com/TuELCVZTq7— Jiri BJP Prochazka (@jiri_bjp) October 13, 2022
The price you have to pay.
We all did, Brendan.
Grind.
Gangsta rounds today with the champ @judokayla #mma #boxing #grappling #wrestling #kickboxing #fitness #fitnessaddict #fighter #futurechamp #mmafighter #martialarts #sports #mmatraining #pflmma #espn #followtrain #follow4like #lifestyle #gymlife #gymrat #kaylgoodtimes #homies pic.twitter.com/21jbNTATm6
— victor flor (@mmavic125lb) October 13, 2022
Okay.
I think I have my next title defense @Hasbulla_NFT pic.twitter.com/2NPWYdn7uj
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) October 13, 2022
Any guesses?
What was the original point of twitter?
— Dominick Reyes (@DomReyes) October 13, 2022
A man of culture.
Taking in the sights & sounds of Abu Dhabi
[ via @CharlesDoBronxs | #UFC280 | @VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/SGOJzJQry4
— UFC (@ufc) October 13, 2022
Reaper things.
Preparing for something…and it’s not Christmas pic.twitter.com/2HC21dAXWe
— Robert Whittaker (@robwhittakermma) October 13, 2022
New Holloway dropping soon.
Max Holloway fans: @BlessedMMA has a new sitdown conversation with @JamesPalmerTV and @Sun_Outdoors. Debuts on Monday, Oct. 17 and promises to “show the fighter’s vulnerable side not normally seen by his fans. “
First time I’ve seen the series, but preview looks good!!! pic.twitter.com/kesOLyyJJN
— John Morgan (@JohnMorgan_MMA) October 13, 2022
She trains UFC.
Champ.
Uh oh.
Yeah let’s talk about this @dc_mma ! Tell me why you got your trilogy with @stipemiocic right after he TKO you in the rematch ?!
— Julianna Pena (@VenezuelanVixen) October 13, 2022
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
William Knight (11-4) vs. Marcin Prachnio (15-6); UFC Vegas 65, Nov. 19
Jiri Prochazka (29-3-1) vs. Glover Teixeira (33-8); UFC 282, Dec. 10
Ketlen Vieira (13-2) vs. Raquel Pennington (14-9); UFC 283, Jan. 14
Da Un Jung (15-3-1) vs. Devin Clark (13-7); UFC Fight Night, Feb. 4
FINAL THOUGHTS
There’s only one Luke Rockhold.
Have a wonderful Friday!
EXIT POLL
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