When asked who would be next in line to face middleweight champion Chris Weidman following UFC 187, the promotion's president, Dana White, couldn't choose between Luke Rockhold and Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza.
Rockhold, however, feels he's the obvious choice.
"I don't know what the hell they’re doing, but it’s guaranteed that that’s my shot,” Rockhold told MMAjunkie. "It's happening. They'll be a date locked down soon. We're fighting. I talked to Dana, and we got some things coming."
Rockhold has certainly made a case for himself inside the Octagon, recording consecutive stoppages of Costas Philippou, Tim Boetsch, Michael Bisping, and Lyoto Machida. "Jacare" has carved out a similar path of destruction, but Rockhold's complete demolition of Machida likely puts him at the front of the line.
As for where, or when, a potential title showdown would take place, Weidman was hoping to defend his belt at Madison Square Garden if, or when, MMA is finally legalized in New York. The UFC has already booked "The World's Most Famous Arena" on Dec. 5 in anticipation of the sports' legalization.
"That’s a long time, but it's a big stage, and it's something worthwhile waiting for," Rockhold said. "I would prefer something closer. I think (in) September, there might be a date here (in Las Vegas). Maybe we could turn it around quick and like I said, I could give him that rematch (in New York).
"I want to fight. I want to get that fight, but MSG if worth waiting for. There are still some hoops to jump through to get there. I'm hoping for the best."
