One of the worst the sport has ever seen. He has now been knocked out in 3 different continents, only Roy Jones Jr to mind knowledge has also managed this incredible feat. Hard to pick this guy now over any decent middleweight, his simply doesn't have the chin for prizefighting and should consider retirement to protect his health. if he carries on he's going to turn into a vegetable. Thoughts?
I agree but would still pick him to beat most guys. Especially with his range, kickboxing and BJJ prowess. Most guys he'd have taken down and pounded their heads in. With Romero he couldn't do that because of his wrestling pedigree.
Cyril Asker on the other hand show a hell of a beard. He's been starched twice before this in the UFC but that was mostly due to his terrible defense and even in those instances it was the follow up ground and pound that starched him.
It's hard to say that based on the fact in was Romero's hard right hand and Victor's insanely powerful spinning back kick that did the damage on two occasions. I think the jury might still be out on the quality of his chin. I'm not that familiar with Luke's career. Has he been wobbled during his other fights? Has he taken powerful shots in the past and recovered quickly? You could be right though.
If Kevin Gastelum's mandible could be grafted onto Rockhold's jaw we might have the best fighter in the world. Nobody has ever really outclassed him, it's his weak chin that has let him down every single time.
Funny thing is it wouldn't shock me one bit if he manages to win the belt again. He has the tools - just has to avoid getting clipped on the chin. Romero at 40 us on borrowed time and really the only other guys I'd favor or give a real chance against Rockhold are Whittaker and Jacare - Gastelum has the punchers chance with his boxing and power but he's too inconsistent to favor.
I wondered who the IV ban would hurt at its inception. I'm not saying that's the reason for Rockhold's losses, but it isn't out of the realm of possibility. I wonder if it's the reason he's leaving 185. Clearly Rockhold can be ko'd, but it has been by decent shots. When Rockhold first came to the UFC, I said he would be able to hold his own with anyone aside from Silva and Belfort. This was a different time, and Belfort was a very different man. I always felt superior speed was a problem for Rockhold. Now, we know his chin is too. I really wanted to see Rockhold vs Whittaker. Rockhold is superior everywhere but hand speed. A disadvantage in speed is the first concern I ever had of Rockhold, but his chin may hold up if Whittaker doesn't land too often. Whittaker's take down defense was superb against Romero, but Rockhold is different. Rockhold doesn't have to take you down immediately. If Rockhold gets behind you in a standing position, things can take a nasty turn for his opponent. I wanted to see this play out.
It may sound bizarre but I was actually more confident that he would upset Whittaker. Whittaker is smaller and while there was a very good chance he'd blitz Rockhold early if he didn't? Rockhold would be a big threat to him with his size and bodylock/trip takedown - Whittaker is the new age Cro Cop with the sprawling ability and general wrestling defense. But that might have not worked on Rockhold considering he doesn't shoot as most of his takedowns are from the clinch.
Angle changes and quick one-twos is what Rockhold has to worry about against Whittaker. The fight is all his if he can deal with that. Whittaker has been very impressive at 185, but he's had style match-ups that worked in his favor. I feel like Rockhold and Weidman are puzzles he has yet to solve.
Please keep Machida away, however you can. I'd hate to see Whittaker vs Machida. Not that I hate either fighter particularly. It's together I'm worried about.
I think Machida knows his place and is going to be looking for the novelty/legacy fights now, hence the Bisping call out. Here's to hoping anyways.... He's taken a lot of damage during the last couple of years at MW.
I like Lyoto Machida. I want to be wrong, but his has been the most glaring drop in performance since USADA. Machida was once considered physically strong at 205.
As they say causation doesn't always equal correlation. He's got a style that doesn't age very well, his reflexes have dimmed and now he's getting caught with punches that wouldn't have come close a very years ago. May be a bit of both... But I think it's mostly age.
