Ex-UFC star Luke Rockhold recounts sparring fight with ‘Idiot’ Sean Strickland: ‘He was such a loud-Mouth’

Luke Rockhold hits out at idiot Sean Strickland sparring he was such a loud mouth UFCFormer undisputed middleweight champion, Luke Rockhold has recounted a prior sparring session with fellow former divisional titleholder, Sean Strickland…

Luke Rockhold hits out at idiot Sean Strickland sparring he was such a loud mouth UFC

Former undisputed middleweight champion, Luke Rockhold has recounted a prior sparring session with fellow former divisional titleholder, Sean Strickland in the aftermath of UFC 297 – describing the outspoken contender as an out-and-out “idiot”.

Rockhold, a former undisputed middleweight champion under the banner of the UFC and the now-defunct, Strikeforce promotion, has been sidelined since he retired from mixed martial arts back in 2022.

Suffering a unanimous decision loss in his return to the Octagon, Santa Cruz native, Rockhold dropped a judging loss to former title chaser, Paulo Costa in his final outing in the UFC – before confirming his retirement.

Briefly featuring under the BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship) banner, Rockhold fought fellow UFC veteran, Mike Perry back in April, suffering a second round retirement TKO loss to the Michigan native.

Luke Rockhold blasts rival, Sean Strickland

And reflecting on a prior sparring session with Strickland in the immediate aftermath of his championship loss to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297, Rockhold claimed the former was a “loud mouth” and an “idiot” – leading to a clash in the gym.

“He (Sean Strickland) was such a loud-mouth idiot,” Luke Rockhold told Rampage Jackson on the JAXXON Podcast. “Who the f*ck is this guy? I was so hung over. I was so annoyed I was like, ‘F*ck, I’m gonna get in and spar with this kid.’ I was like, ‘I can’t even take this.’”

“He’s a little tricky guy,” Luke Rockhold explained. “I went to the bathroom, I put [in] paper towel, I wrapped it around my teeth like and old school wet mouthpiece, and I was swallowing the thing, sparring him hungover. It was close round, I’d love to get him back out here again.” 

Ex-UFC champ Luke Rockhold returns for BJJ clash with decorated grappler Craig Jones in Jerusalem

Luke RockholdAfter trying his hand at bare-knuckle boxing, former Strikeforce and UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold will step on the mat for a match with BJJ legend Craig Jones. These days, Luke Rockhold is enjoying life outside of the UFC. As a free agent, he is open to trying practically any martial art that comes his […]

Luke Rockhold

After trying his hand at bare-knuckle boxing, former Strikeforce and UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold will step on the mat for a match with BJJ legend Craig Jones.

These days, Luke Rockhold is enjoying life outside of the UFC. As a free agent, he is open to trying practically any martial art that comes his way. Recently, he even suggested that a fight under the Karate Combat label was looking like a solid option. But first, Rockhold will head to one of the holiest places on the planet, Jerusalem, for a submission showcase with one of the most decorated grapplers in the history of the sport.

“Never in the history of combat sports have 2 dime pieces of this caliber locked horns,” Jones wrote on Instagram. “I’ve often been told I need Jesus in my life, what an opportunity to hit Jerusalem in search of him.”

The official poster for Israel Fight Night 1 has been made available courtesy of Tapology and features a rundown of some other fights booked for the event.

Luke Rockhold’s Post-UFC Combat Sports Tour Continues

Luke Rockhold has not seen his hand raised since 2017, but that hasn’t stopped the former 185-pound king from cashing in as of late. After returning to the Octagon for a clash with Paulo Costa at UFC 278, Rockhold seemingly retired. But during an appearance on The MMA Hour, he revealed that he would be open to other lucrative opportunities outside of the UFC.

In April, Rockhold made his BKFC debut against ‘Platinum’ Mike Perry. Unfortunately, things did not go Rockhold’s way as he was forced to waive off the fight in the second round after losing multiple teeth in the bare-knuckle brawl. The appearance at Israel Fight Night 1 will be his first since that disastrous turn inside the squared circle.

Luke Rockhold’s opponent, Craig Jones, is a former IBJJF world champion and an ADCC silver medalist. Jones also holds the distinction of being a three-time Polaris Pro grappling champion.

Luke Rockhold offers to meet ex-UFC champion Georges St-Pierre in grappling match: ‘I’ll go straight for your neck’

Luke Rockhold offers to meet Georges St-Pierre in grappling match I'll go straight for your neck UFCFormer undisputed middleweight champion and decorated grappler, Luke Rockhold has offered to return to grappling competition later this year alongside former duel-weight UFC champion, Georges St-Pierre – claiming he would not hold back and straight for the Canadian if he is actually booked against him. Rockhold, a former undisputed middleweight champion under the banner of […]

Luke Rockhold offers to meet Georges St-Pierre in grappling match I'll go straight for your neck UFC

Former undisputed middleweight champion and decorated grappler, Luke Rockhold has offered to return to grappling competition later this year alongside former duel-weight UFC champion, Georges St-Pierre – claiming he would not hold back and straight for the Canadian if he is actually booked against him.

Rockhold, a former undisputed middleweight champion under the banner of the UFC, called time on his professional mixed martial arts career back in August of last year after UFC 278, most recently suffered a close, unanimous decision loss to incoming UFC 294 feature and one-time title chaser, Paulo Costa.

Returning to combat sports in the time since, Rockhold headlined a BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship) card against fellow UFC veteran, Mike Perry back in April in Broomfield, Colorado, suffering a second round TKO defeat after suffering a mouth injury.

And last month following the UFC Hall of Fame ceremony, former undisputed middleweight and welterweight champion, St-Pierre was announced as a returnee on an upcoming UFC Fight Pass Invitational in December of this year – with links to a grappling showdown with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, and former Octagon title challenger, Demian Maia.

Luke Rockhold offers to meet Georges St-Pierre on the mats

While an opponent for St-Pierre’s return to competition has yet to be officially booked, Santa Cruz native, Rockhold has thrown his name into the hat to share the mats with the Quebec favorite.

“Georges St-Pierre wants to go, I would go with Georges in a heartbeat,” Luke Rockhold told MMA Junkie. “But, if he’s smart, probably not. I’m too big and too good for him.”

“I’m not going down below 185 pounds,” Luke Rockhold continued. “Grappling, I wouldn’t go below 190 (pounds). If Georges wants to go I will meet him. 190 pounds any day of the week. I’d love to do it.”

Would you like to see Luke Rockhold take on Georges St-Pierre in December?

Luke Rockhold welcomes fight with Alex Pereira: ‘Give me 10 seconds on the ground and I’ll f*cking kill that motherf*cker’

Luke Rockhold win over Alex Pereira I'll f*cking murder that motherf*ckerDespite retiring from active mixed martial arts competition back in August of last year, former undisputed UFC middleweight champion, Luke Rockhold remains supremely confident of beating fellow former division gold holder, Alex Pereira. Rockhold, a former undisputed middleweight champion under both the UFC and Strikeforce banners, most recently competed against Brazilian contender, Paulo Costa at […]

Luke Rockhold win over Alex Pereira I'll f*cking murder that motherf*cker

Despite retiring from active mixed martial arts competition back in August of last year, former undisputed UFC middleweight champion, Luke Rockhold remains supremely confident of beating fellow former division gold holder, Alex Pereira.

Rockhold, a former undisputed middleweight champion under both the UFC and Strikeforce banners, most recently competed against Brazilian contender, Paulo Costa at UFC 278 back in August in Salt Lake City, Utah – suffering a unanimous decision loss to the former title challenger.

As for Pereira, the Brazilian is set to return to action next month in the co-main event of UFC 291, taking on former light heavyweight champion, Jan Blachowicz as he makes his divisional debut.

Sidelined since April of this year, Pereira most recently suffered a stunning championship fight loss to arch-rival, Israel Adesanya, dropping his middleweight crown following a spectacular second round KO. 

Luke Rockhold remains confident of a win over Alex Pereira

And forever talking up his ability to make a successful return to the UFC and take a victory over Pereira upon his comeback, footage has emerged once more detailing Rockhold’s confidence in a potential bout between the two.

“Any day with (Alex) Pereira,” Luke Rockhold said. “Give me 10 seconds on the ground. I’ll f*cking kill that motherf*cker.” (H/T Cageside Press)

Making a brief return to combat sports earlier this year, Rockhold made a professional bare knuckle boxing debut – under the banner of BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship).

Taking on former UFC welterweight contender, MIke Perry, Santa Cruz native, Rockhold was forced out of the bout due to a TKO retirement. 

Addressing his fighting future, Rockhold failed to close the door on a return, and insisted he would like the opportunity to sport gloves again

“Well, f*ck, what can I say?” Luke Rockhold said. “You can check bare knuckle off the list. It’s some crazy sh*t. Those little knuckle got me, square on the front two [teeth]. Maybe a beard, maybe a better mouthpiece. It’s a good fight. It’s a shame it had to end that way. Motherf*cker, Mike (Perry), you tough bastard.”

“Thanks to my sponsors, thanks to the people,” Luke Rockhold explained. “I’m not done. Some gloves would he nice, though.”

Mike Perry reflects on teeth shattering win over Luke Rockhold at BKFC 41: ‘His teeth went into my fist’

Mike Perry claims Luke Rockhold's teeth went into his fist at BKFC 41Prior to BKFC 41, some promising bouts came together and during its main event, Mike Perry certainly brought the violence. The 185 pound main event lasted just two rounds in Broomfield, Colorado, as Perry extended his undefeated run with BKFC, finishing Luke Rockhold by TKO. Mike Perry moved to 3-0 under the BKFC banner with […]

Mike Perry claims Luke Rockhold's teeth went into his fist at BKFC 41

Prior to BKFC 41, some promising bouts came together and during its main event, Mike Perry certainly brought the violence.

The 185 pound main event lasted just two rounds in Broomfield, Colorado, as Perry extended his undefeated run with BKFC, finishing Luke Rockhold by TKO.

Mike Perry moved to 3-0 under the BKFC banner with his win over Luke Rockhold

Speaking with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Perry analyzed his brutal display and claims he knew the exact moment Rockhold’s teeth shattered.

“I felt that in my fist, his teeth went into it, for sure,” Mike Perry said. “I was just like, whatever that was, I can’t wait to land that again and feel that again. I wanna feel that in my knuckles again.”

Perry has always been a fan favourite among the MMA community for his amusing choice of words and lack of care in serious situations.

Meanwhile Rockhold, who was once the UFC middleweight champion, has been going through a rough patch. He suffered defeat in his final three appearances with the UFC, and came out unsuccessful in his BKFC debut.

Perry, who was hit hard early in the fight, overcame Rockhold’s heavy hit and overwhelmed the former UFC champion with a series of vicious strikes.

“I was just like, ‘Oh,’ because I wanted the win to look like right after I hit him,” Mike Perry said. “But he ate that shot. But then, he was like, ‘Damn, I don’t wanna take it again.’ It’s more than just the lip, it’s more than just the teeth shot. And yes, I caused that. I guess I hit him in the lip, which busted those teeth — that all went through.”

After experiencing the pure violence of bare knuckle fighting, Rockhold hinted that BKFC 41 would likely be his only appearance with the organization, stating that he’s happy he got to experience it, but a pair of gloves is likely what he’s pursuing next.

Perry was quick to defend his performance against those who claimed Rockhold simply gave up. ‘Platinum’ told Helwani he did more than enough to break Rockhold in quick fashion.

“He’s got like two black eyes,” Mike Perry said. “He’s got a lump on his face. So I hit him with more shots, but it’s like I was hitting him so fast, it was hard for people to see where the shot happened, when it happened, why he quit.”

Rockhold may be departing BKFC for good, but Perry will likely continue to put on a show for his fans and look to extend his three-fight win streak.

Luke Rockhold still eyes UFC return, title fight against Israel Adesanya: ‘I present a lot of problems for him’

Luke Rockhold eyes UFC return title fight with Israel Adesanya I give him problemsJust a day before quitting in the second round at BKFC 41, Luke Rockhold was thinking optimistically. His spirits were high the day before the fight, and he appeared on Just Scrap Radio to talk about a potential UFC return against Israel Adesanya for the middleweight title. “I’m not opposed to it, on my terms, […]

Luke Rockhold eyes UFC return title fight with Israel Adesanya I give him problems

Just a day before quitting in the second round at BKFC 41, Luke Rockhold was thinking optimistically. His spirits were high the day before the fight, and he appeared on Just Scrap Radio to talk about a potential UFC return against Israel Adesanya for the middleweight title.

“I’m not opposed to it, on my terms, for sure,” Rockhold began on the radio show. “I’ve always been intrigued by an Israel fight, I think he is awesome and an amazing fighter. I think I’m getting better and 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.”

After the BKFC 41 fight against Mike Perry, the chances Rockhold comes back for a title fight against Israel Adesanya are astronomically low. However, at the time of the interview, Luke Rockhold most likely believed he was going to waltz into BKFC 41 and put a beat down on Perry.

The topic turned to Adesanya’s most recent fight against Alex Pereira, and Rockhold had a lot of praise for ‘The Last Stylebender. He was very much impressed with the way Adesanya handled their MMA rematch (the fourth fight overall between the pair) and was even more taken aback by the result.

BKFC 41 recap, and Luke Rockhold continues speaking on the Israel Adesanya fight

“I thought it was insane. The mental ability to go in there after three losses and stay composed and do his thing,” Rockhold continued (H/T BJ Penn.com). “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 and I like watching the kid fight. He’s f*****g awesome, a true champion.”

Alas, things really didn’t go Rockhold’s way at BKFC 41. The bare-knuckle brawl was extremely rough on ‘The Samurai’ and he suffered extreme damage to his teeth. In fact, it’s been said Perry was knocking teeth out of his mouth and shattering them.

The pain must have been absolutely unbearable, and Rockhold did the only logical thing: he gave up. If Luke Rockhold continued fighting, Perry could have very well knocked all the teeth out of his mouth and caused other brutal injuries. The fight wasn’t a total one-sided domination, but it was pretty clear most of the time that ‘Platinum’ was in the lead and up on the judges’ scorecards.

The world isn’t sure what Rockhold will do now after that brutal beatdown he suffered, but a return to the UFC would most likely be an extremely fun sight to see for fans across the world.

Would you be interested in seeing a title fight between Israel Adesanya and Luke Rockhold?