Rockhold Returns This September

Luke Rockhold has not been seen in the UFC Octagon since losing the middleweight championship to Michael Bisping at UFC 199 in June 2016. His hiatus ends on Sept. 16 at the UFC’s Fight Night event in Pittsburgh, as Rockhold will headline against David Branch.

Ariel Helwani reported earlier that a potential bout between Rockhold and David Branch is in the works to headline the UFC’s Fight Night event in Pittsburgh on Sept. 16. Yoel Romero, who recently lost an interim middleweight title bout to Robert Whittaker earlier this month at UFC 213, had also reportedly been considered as Rockhold’s return opponent.

Been serious talks of booking Luke Rockhold vs. David Branch as the main event of the Sept. 16 card in Pittsburgh. However, … (cont’d)

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 22, 2017

… Yoel Romero’s name has also been discussed as an opp. for Rockhold on a later date. Should be done soon. Rockhold’s return is imminent.

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 22, 2017

… Right now, according to multiple sources, Branch is the front-runner and this is a fight he wants. Step up. Sink or swim.

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 22, 2017