There have been talks of mutual interest between the growing Karate promotion and the former UFC middleweight champion, though Rockhold has made no assurances as to what his next venture may be following a one-off fight with Mike Perry in Bare Knuckle FC back in April. 

While rumors of a potential clash with Lyoto Machida continue to resurface, Rockhold had something to say about another Brazilian fighter, one that also happens to be a fellow former UFC champion.

“Any day with [Alex] Pereira,” Rockhold said. “Give me 10 seconds on the ground. I’ll f*cking kill that motherf*cker.” 

Luke Rockhold: “Any day with Pereira.
Give me 10 seconds on the ground. I’ll f***ing kill that motherf***er. – Former UFC Middleweight Champion @LukeRockhold on a potential matchup with @AlexPereiraUFC – full story coming to @Cagesidepress 📝 pic.twitter.com/srvaePTOJ5

— Dylan Rush (@rushmma11) June 24, 2023

Rockhold retired from the UFC following a decision loss to Paulo Costa at UFC 278 last August, though he hasn’t closed the door on a possible return to mixed martial arts. The 38-year old secured his release from his old employer earlier this year, paving the way for his BKFC bout.

Though a reunion seems unlikely at this point in time, stranger things have happened in this sport. With Pereira moving up to the light heavyweight division, Rockhold may be more intrigued by the challenge of bulking up as opposed to cutting so much weight. 

“Poatan,” on the other hand, is currently training for his upcoming bout with Jan Blachowicz next month, as he looks to secure a victory and move one step closer to regaining UFC gold. The fight will mark his light heavyweight debut in MMA.

The post Luke Rockhold Says He Would “F***ing Kill” Alex Pereira in 10 Seconds on the Ground appeared first on Cageside Press.

Case in point, Perry suggesting he would headbutt Rockhold’s hands to break them in the bout. And a fake choking between the two during weigh-ins. Colorful.

Whether the antics were legit or not, there was little question that the PPV main event would be a heated affair. And it most certainly started out hot, though the fight finished in bizarre fashion.

Rockhold stayed on the outside early, with Perry closing the distance and clinching up. Rockhold would land a left at range when they got back underway, with Perry walking forward, trying to punch his way inside. Just as the action was getting going, however, a Perry low blow halted the affair. After about 30 seconds, Rockhold was good to go; a heavy clinch followed. Moments later, Rockhold wobbled Perry with a left! Rockhold pressed, but couldn’t finish “Platinum.” Moments later, Perry would clip Rockhold; that led to an exchange of fire with both men hurting the other.

Luke Rockhold and Mike Perry trade big shots at the end of Round 1 😱 #BKFC41

(via @FiteTV) pic.twitter.com/Y5YnECj3ul

— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) April 30, 2023

Round two opened with a Rockhold jab answered by a Perry combo. Mike Perry was showing Rockhold no respect, closing the distance and eating shots to do it. Rockhold slipped, but the pair went right back at it. After both men landed, Rockhold appeared to complain about a low blow. The ref didn’t see it, and let the action continue. After eating a few more shots, Rockhold clinched up, landing a body shot. Rockhold then appeared to disengage, and was told by the ref to keep his hands up. Instead, Rockhold pointed to his mouthpiece, and ref Dan Miragliotta suddenly waved it off! Perry had the win as a result, as Rockhold appeared to indicate some sort of issue that wouldn’t allow him to continue. Possibly damaged teeth, given the blood spilling from his mouth.

Following the main event, Conor McGregor was brought into the cage at Perry’s request for a face-off, though that was all for show — McGregor after all being under contract to the UFC. Perry also called for a fight with Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, who was in the crowd, asking Cerrone to “give my arm back” in reference to Cerrone’s submission win over Perry in the UFC. Cowboy being retired, that fight isn’t likely either, but Perry is quickly becoming BKFC’s biggest star.

Mike Perry calls out Conor McGregor for a face-off and @TheNotoriousMMA accepts. He enters the ring with the BKFC title over his shoulder.#BKFC41 | LIVE on #FITE pic.twitter.com/DoCw7OZTZP

— TrillerTV (@Triller_TV) April 30, 2023

Official Result: Mike Perry def. Luke Rockhold by TKO (retirement), Round 2, 1:15

The post BKFC 41: Luke Rockhold Unable to Continue, Mike Perry Claims TKO Win appeared first on Cageside Press.