Former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold is very confident heading into his title fight against current UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman at UFC 194.
“Fights usually go the way I see them, how I plan them out. Very few fights have not gone the way I see them. I see myself finishing Weidman within three rounds,” Rockhold told media in Los Angeles (video via MMA Heat, starts at 19:48).
Rockhold complimented Weidman’s toughness and overall skill, as well as his ability to push a pace. When asked if he expects to fight Weidman twice if the champ is given an automatic rematch, Rockhold stated that he’ll expect a trilogy of fights.
“Or three times. I think me and Weidman are above the rest. I think I’m going to be like his big brother for his whole career after this fight,” Rockhold laughed.
Rockhold also went in depth as to how he would go about beating Weidman, who is a perfect 13-0 in his MMA career.
“It’s gonna be a closer first round. He’s going to be tough, but I’m going to start stuffing his takedowns and threatening him on the ground if need be. We’re going to find our way back to our feet and I’m going to start finding my groove. His pace is going to change and he’s going to start backpedaling and I’m going to start teeing off.”
Although Rockhold is confident in his prediction, he realizes that Weidman is his toughest test to date, and expects the two to bring the best out of each other.
“He believes in himself and I love it. That’s the fight I want. I think it’s going to bring the best out of me. I haven’t even had a fight drag me to reach my potential. Weidman is the guy to bring me to that.”
Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold will co-main event UFC 194 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main event for the card will see current UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo and Interim UFC Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor unify the belts.
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