Despite retiring from active mixed martial arts competition back in August last year, former undisputed UFC Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold remains fully confident of beating fellow former gold medalist 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 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, where he will take on former light heavyweight champion, Jan Blašović, making his tag team debut.
Disqualified since April of this year, Pereira recently suffered a stunning championship loss to arch-rival, Israel Adesanya, dropping the middleweight title after a stunning round KO.
Luke Rockhold is still confident of beating Alex Pereira
And forever talked about his ability to make a successful return to the UFC and victory over Pereira upon his return, footage has surfaced once again detailing Rockhold’s confidence in a potential match between the two.
“Any day with (Alex) Pereira,” Luke Rockhold said. “Give me 10 seconds on the floor. I’m going to kill that mother.” (H/T Cageside Press)
After returning briefly to combat sports earlier this year, Rockhold made his professional debut in bare-knuckle boxing – under the banner of BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship).
Taking on former UFC welterweight contender Mick Perry, the Santa Cruz native, Rockhold was forced out of the bout due to a TKO retirement.
Speaking of his fighting future, Rockhold failed to close the door on his return, insisting he would like the chance to sport the gauntlet again.
“Well, damn it, what can I say?” Luke Rockhold said. “You can check out the bare knuckle off the list. It’s crazy. That little knuckle made me, square on the second front.” [teeth]. Maybe a beard, maybe a better mouthpiece. It’s a good fight. It’s a shame it ended this way. Motherf*cker, Mike (Perry), you tough bastard.”
“Thank you sponsors, thanks people,” Luke Rockhold explained. “I’m not done yet. Some gloves would be nice, though.”