Luke Rockhold deserves recognition as a future MMA legend. He’s been both a Strikeforce and UFC middleweight champion, and at his peak, he beat some of the toughest names in the sport. His kicking game, grappling, and overall skill set made him one of the most dangerous fighters in the division.
But ever since his shocking loss to Michael Bisping, things haven’t looked the same. Rockhold has suffered several brutal defeats, raising the question: should he keep fighting, or is it time to walk away?
From my perspective, retirement would be the smart move. He’s already secured a legacy as a champion, and continuing to fight at the highest level could mean risking unnecessary damage. If he still has the itch to compete, it might be better for him to focus on areas that play to his strengths—like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Combat Karate, or even coaching. His world-class grappling and kicking are what made him great in MMA, not pure boxing.
That’s why his recent moves into bare-knuckle boxing (BKFC) and Misfits boxing feel out of place. They don’t highlight what Rockhold does best; instead, they force him into a style where his vulnerabilities are exposed.
So, what should be next for Luke Rockhold? A well-earned retirement, or a shift into combat sports that suit his unique talents better?
