Luke Rockhold Is ‘Re-Inspired’ For New Combat Sports Challenge

Luke Rockhold shared his thoughts about his future as a free agent.

Since he no longer has a contract with the UFC, the former middleweight champion is considering his next move in combat sports.

Paulo Costa was the opponent in Rockhold’s final UFC match at UFC 278. He was defeated by a unanimous vote, and immediately after the verdict was given, he declared his resignation.

Rockhold started to hint at a fight back almost soon after he retired. He has hinted at a potential interest in boxing and other combat sports, and has returned to the gym.

If Rockhold follows through on his plans to fight again, it won’t be in the UFC Octagon, where he was previously ranked among the best in the world.

Rockhold recently said he is up for business during an interview on The MMA Hour.

“Your man’s a free agent,” Rockhold said. “Free and clear, and I’m ready and re-inspired to go out there and do something new. I’ve paid my dues, and [UFC COO Hunter Campbell] granted me my wish.

“I need a new setting. I need a new challenge. … You get burned out in the game when you’ve done so much, and you need new obstacles.”

“That door is always open, but I want to go and f– some people up,” Rockhold said. “If you want bulls–, we can go box, beat up these YouTubers, too.”

In recent years, Rockhold and the UFC had a rocky relationship, and he had issues with how the organization handled its athletes. However, following his contender for “Fight of the Year” versus Costa, things appeared to change around.

Other MMA competitions, including the PFL and Bellator, may have Rockhold on their radar. The PFL plans to implement a 50-50 pay-per-view income split between the league and its combatants when it debuts its “super fight” division this year.

The 38-year-old Rockhold may be past his prime, but he already seems to be working on a return strategy.