Luke Rockhold Still Eyeing ‘Jacare' Souza Fight
Former middleweight champion Luke Rockhold was forced to pull out of his scheduled rematch against Ronaldo ‘Jacare' Souza at UFC Fight Night 101 due to a knee injury. The two first fought in 2011 for the strikeforce title with Rockhold defeating Souza by unanimous decision. Although the rematch was cancelled, Rockhold is still eyeing a fight against ‘Jacare.'
Rockhold believes a fight against Souza is the fastest way to get back to a title fight. Rockhold is ranked second in the 185-pound division while Souza is ranked third. Top contender Yoel Romero is expected to face champion Michael Bisping early next year.
“Jacare, he’s the most clear-cut way back to the title. I’m not looking to fight another guy and then have a question mark on who gets the next shot. I’m going to go straight down the throat and get Jacare, finish my business with Jacare, and it’s no ifs, ands, or buts who’s next in line,” Rockhold told Submission Radio.
TRENDING > Kelvin Gastelum Suspended for UFC 205 Weight Issues
With Romero and Bisping likely taking place in the first quarter of 2017, Rockhold thinks he'll be able to return in that time frame to take on Souza.
“Given the timetable of what’s going on with potential recovery, and Bisping and Yoel Romero probably not fighting until February or March. I think if I can get into that frame, March, that would be perfect for me,” he said about when he expects to return.
At the moment, Rockhold is taking it easy and doing what he needs to in order to heal. He plans on making a statement the next time he enters the Octagon no matter who he faces.
“I’m just trying to get healthy. I’ll make my statement when I come back, whomever I fight, whoever it is; I’ll prove that I’m not going nowhere. I’ll be right back in the mix, and I’ll be there to claim my title,” he said.
“I want my title shot.”
