Luke Rockhold to get next crack at Chris Weidman's middleweight title
Luke Rockhold has a secure line to Joe Silva. That, or he has a fairly firm grasp on common sense.
After easily dispatching Lyoto Machida on April 18 for his fourth consecutive win, Rockhold (14-2, 4-1 in UFC) made it quite clear he believed he was next in line for a shot at the UFC middleweight title. UFC President Dana White was less certain, with Jacare Souza also standing as a potential contender.
The UFC confirmed Wednesday that it's Rockhold getting the next title shot, on a card to be determined.
It's coming back to Cali.
— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) June 4, 2015
Rockhold, the No. 1-ranked middleweight contender by UFC.com, will have his hands full with middleweight champion Chris Weidman. Weidman is undefeated at 13-0, is a perfect 9-0 inside the octagon, and has had just a single fight go to a decision since Jan. 2012. Whereas Rockhold's a submission specialist, Weidman has the tools to trade holds or do his damage in the striking game.
It's possible Michael Bisping, who had wanted one of Weidman, Jacare, or Rockhold for a second time, could draw Souza at some point in the future. Failing that, it's unclear what Souza, who is on an eight-fight win streak and is 5-0 in the UFC, may draw next.
It was a great night for American Kickboxing Academy overall, as new light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier learned his first title defense would come against Alexander Gustafsson. Rockhold has considered a move to the 205-pound division but won't do so as long as his teammate holds the title.