http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKNnf_DRrYU With a recent win over Costa Phillipou, Luke Rockhold puts himself back on the winning column. The former Strikeforce champion is a few wins away from being able to challenge for the belt but he already looks like a formidable opponent of Chris Weidman. Rockhold is a tall fighter and would square up well against the champion. An offensive fighter, Rockhold has throughout his MMA career used his wrestling in reverse to avoid being taken down. When he does get taken down however as he did in his fight with Jacare he stands back up quickly. Other times he has chosen to play the grappling game, mixing his wrestling background and BJJ black belt to earn six submission wins. Rockhold's favorite weapon on the feet is his left kick which he throws to the body, legs and head quite generously. Being a southpaw this kick is usually very powerful against orthodox opponent. He used his kicking game well against Jacare overwhelming him with constant body shots in order to slow down the Brazilian and earn a narrow decision in the eyes of the judges. Furthermore his last fight ended in stoppage thanks to two powerful liver kicks. Because Rockhold is a tall and rangy guy Weidman's reach won't be much of a factor. If Luke can fight at his range and stay mobile (which he often does) he should have a striking advantage as long as he doesn't end up breaking his leg. Rockhold's boxing is improving and his chin has proven to be durable. Luke is not afraid to go the ground and very difficult to maintain on his back as well as dangerous. Keep an eye on Luke Rockhold as he makes his way through the middleweight division.
Gadiel Hernandez attends the University of Miami and is an aspiring journalist with plans to graduate in the coming years. He was born in Havana, Cuba and speaks two languages. In his spare time he enjoys watching sports, exercising, reading and stand up comedy.