Rockhold granted UFC release: 'I want to go f--k some people up'

Luke Rockhold was granted his release from the UFC and is now a free agent, the former middleweight champion announced Monday on "The MMA Hour."

Rockhold said he wanted a "new setting" and a "new challenge" after spending almost 10 years in the UFC.

"I like freedom," he said, "just like Francis (Ngannou). Freedom just like Nate (Diaz). Freedom is a beautiful thing, and I'm enjoying that."

The 38-year-old is officially resuming his combat sports career after he suggested he was retiring in the aftermath of a loss to Paulo Costa at UFC 278 last August.

When asked why he wants to compete again, Rockhold implied the fight against Costa would be an ugly way to end his 16-year career. He said he suffered a broken nose early in the fight and the high elevation in Salt Lake City made it less than ideal.

Rockhold mentioned the PFL, Bellator, and ONE Championship as MMA promotions he could potentially sign with. He also expressed a desire to cross over to boxing.

"I want to go f--k some people up," Rockhold said.

He added: "I've done so much, so I want (the) opportunity to go box, go grapple, go fight, go win another f-----g belt. No man in history has won three major belts. That's what gets me f-----g excited."

Rockhold said he would also be interested in boxing matches against Jake and Logan Paul.

"I mean, it'd be fun," Rockhold said when asked if a fight with Jake Paul was at the top of his wish list. "It'd be fun to correct that situation. Him or his brother. Or both. ... They both want to legitimize themselves, but they're both fighting little f-----g guys."

With the broken nose healed, Rockhold said he is going hard in the gym and can fight "pretty damn soon."

"I'm training every day," Rockhold said. "I'm pretty much in training camp. ... I'm pushing it. We have a lot of shit going. I feel sharp. Sharper than I've ever been."