Showing posts with label Luke Rockhold. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Luke Rockhold. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Decoding the UFC Middleweight Division

Finally! The People’s Red Head has come back to The Weigh-In!


I want to open this article in a little different fashion than usual. I want to thank screen name Latino Heat for sending a box full of what appeared to be her previously worn panties to The Weigh-In. While I did not personally get to enjoy them, our own Matt Ward and Luis Cortes are still huffing them at the time of this article is being crafted.


Let us now discuss and decode the UFC’s Middleweight Division. We all know that Rockhold lost to Romero at UFC 221. Before we go any further, I will not listen or read fan mail talking shit about Rockhold. Let us not forget that Rockhold was supposed to fight Robert Whittaker for his belt at UFC 221, but Whittaker had to drop out due to injury. However, once Whittaker was forced off the card due to injury, Rockhold decided he would not sit around and wait for his title shot. Instead, Rockhold decided to allow a very dangerous Yoel Romero to step in for Whittaker. It is this attitude that has propelled Rockhold to the top of the sport, so The Weigh-In will not entertain shit talk about someone who never shies away from a fight.


All that being said, the Rockhold loss has further muddied our UFC Middleweight waters. Romero was able to K.O. Rockhold in the third round. However, due to Romero missing weight, he was not eligible to win the interim middleweight belt. Following Romero’s victory, UFC’s Dana White came out stating that Romero will fight Whittaker for the title next.


That leaves us all to wonder what the hell will Luke Rockhold do? The middleweight division is a mess. Everyone will remember that Bisping took over a year to defend the title and then lost it to St-Pierre, only to have St-Pierre retire immediately after obtaining the middleweight belt.

If Romero and Whittaker are to square off for the belt, there is no shortage of opponents for Rockhold. Rockhold declined an earlier offer to fight Derek Brunson, as he felt Brunson is not on his level. This statement from Rockhold may be true, but perhaps he will decide to show everyone. Another viable option is a matchup against Kelvin Gastelum, who is coming off a big 2017. Gastelum defeated Bisping by knockout and is set to fight Ronaldo Souza at UFC 224. A win over Souza would arguably put Gastelum in middleweight title contention. It may be that Gastelum and Rockhold fight for a chance at a title shot.

Another option may be that Rockhold and Weidman have a rematch. This is a fight that Weidman has wanted since suffering a stoppage loss to Rockhold. While I think Weidman would need another win or two before challenging Rockhold, stranger things have happened in the UFC. I am not sure how many fans would get excited over a Rockhold vs. Weidman rematch. Give us a shout out at The Weigh-In and let us know who you think Rockhold should fight next!


People’s Red Head Out!



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Friday, April 13, 2018

Luke Rockhold: A True Champion

Finally! The People’s Red Head has come back to The Weigh-In!

Many know Luke Rockhold for taking the belt from Chris Weidman. However, Luke has been a champion his entire life. Although he resides in the middleweight division of the UFC, he spends his time training against heavyweight monsters. Rockhold trained for years out of American Kickboxing Academy (AKA), which is home to Light Heavyweight Champion, Daniel Cormier. It is also home to Cain Velsquez, Mike Swick, Gray Maynard, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and more. This gym is a murderers row of MMA talent, and it is where Rockhold punched his time card day in and day out.


If the roster of Rockhold’s training partners was not enough, he recently made a change. Rockhold now trains under the legend, Henri Hooft. While Rockhold won titles under Strikeforce and the UFC while training with AKA, the training was coming at a price. The AKA camp is a camp known for ferocious training sessions, and many fighters have suffered injuries preparing for big fights. It may be that this is the reason Luke made the change to Hooft. However, here at The Weigh-In, we think he made the change in order to hone in on his striking. Rockhold is not content with his championship arsenal of weapons. As a true champion, he keeps looking to evolve his game.


Hooft is known as one of the best striking coaches in the nation. It is here that Rockhold will improve on his boxing ability to further terrorize his opponents. Imagine a Rockhold who dominated Weidman with ground and pound being much improved on his feet. I will have nightmares and possibly night emissions over this thought.

Aside from Rockhold’s impressive training regimen, his record is impressive as well. Many know that Rockhold is a two-league champion. Rockhold has held titles in Strikeforce and the UFC. As the sport evolves, Rockhold always seems to find a place at the top of his division. His championship run has not been without its share of adversity.


After winning his UFC title, Rockhold suffered a humiliating upset loss to Michael Bisping. Rockhold has come around to state he lost the fight due to lack of focus. By lack of focus we can only assume he got distracted by some Hollywood strange. After winning the UFC Middleweight Title, rumors of Rockhold eating canned tuna off the bottom shelf began to fly out of the Rockhold camp. Rockhold was buried in so much strange that the cast of Deadliest Catch used him to bait crab. Please remember we do not fact check. It is worthy of note that Bisping replaced Weidman last minute, and Rockhold still decided to defend his title even though he was injured. We all know how it ended up. Bisping and Rockhold are not necessarily sending one another Christmas cards.


After suffering the loss, Rockhold was set to square off against Robert Whittaker for a chance to regain his middleweight title. Whittaker had to pull out of this fight due to a nasty staff infection. Did Rockhold decide to wait for Whittaker’s return? Did Rockhold decide to sit on the sidelines until he could have his title shot? Rockhold allowed Yoel Romero to step in for Whittaker last minute. Romero came in over weight, which meant he could not win a title. Despite all of this, Rockhold showed how game he was. Rockhold stepped into the Octagon against an unexpected and dangerous opponent. As always, Rockhold held his own. However, Romero ultimately knocked out Rockhold in the third round.

Many believe Rockhold should drop down in the middleweight rankings. This writer is forced to ask why? Why would a champion like Rockhold be punished for taking on all comers? Why would a fucking champion who chose to give the fans what they want be out of title contention? Why would a man whose fingers smell like cologne produced by Starkist be forced to watch as others compete for his belt? The short answer is, he should not be out of title contention. I understand that he may have to fight someone else before getting another title shot, but to be punished for being a fucking a gamer would be an injustice.


The last time there was an injustice of this level in the world was back in 1995. For those of you who pride yourselves as history buffs, I am sure you know what I am referring to. For those of your who are my true readers, I will spell it out for you. I am of course referring to Marcia Clark’s hairstyle, wink wink.  This is neither here nor there. The point is that when I think of what defines a champion, Rockhold has it.


A champion gives all comers a shot at their title. A champion fears no one. A champion takes one of the bridesmaids back to his hotel only to not be there by the time she awakes the following morning. A champion pukes after six shots and four beers, but still closes the bar down after a rally. A champion appears on the Maury Povich Show and is found to not be the father.


Champions conduct themselves as Luke Rockhold has. A champion rises every morning knowing that everyone in the world wants a piece of them. By now, I am sure you all understand where this is going. Rockhold is a fucking stud, and he will be back on top.

People’s Red Head Out!

Special Thanks To:

Maury Povich (holding baby daddy’s accountable)


Denzel for his portrayal of Roman J. Israel, Esquire



Tacos (they are just amazing)


Josh Duhamel for one of the best hair games in the business


Abortion (it gets a bad rap)


Support The Weigh-In: Your Home for Combat Sports by Shopping World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Products!

Monday, January 1, 2018

Dustin's Corner: New Year’s Wish List of Dream Fights

Finally! The People’s Red Head has come back to The Weigh-In.

Happy New Year! With 2018 upon us, we cannot help but think of what could be the best fights this year. In between what is known as nocturnal emissions, I have dreamed about 2018, and the fights I want to see. After careful review, please check out my top ten dream fights below:

#10
Tyron Woodley vs. Georges St-Pierre

As Erykah Badu said, you better call on Tyron(e). Woodley does not get enough credit. When I lay down to sleep at night, I think about him and St-Pierre. After typing that last sentence, I stand by it. Listen up fans, do not worry if I dream of men in my sleep.


This matchup would pit two explosive wrestlers against one another. St-Pierre has bulked up, and looked great in his win against Bisping. Woodley has now defeated Stephen Thompson twice, and awaits a big name fight, which he deserves. This fight would go a long way to cementing Woodley’s status as one of the best of all time. However, no one knows what lies next for St-Pierre.


St-Pierre reminds me of my absentee father. It is the holiday season and one never knows if he will show or not. All of a sudden, you get surprised, St-Pierre appears to fight, much like my father appears in my life. Nevertheless, Woodley would take this fight, and I would love for St-Pierre to get on board.


#9
Urijah Faber vs. T.J. Dillashaw 

Faber coming out of retirement to fight Dillashaw would be a treat to all fans. This fight has all the fixings of an instant classic. Plus, after the rift that Dillashaw has created at Team Alpha Male, Faber has stated he is willing to settle their differences in the Octagon.

(Urijah Faber - UFC.com)

When I think of Faber coming out of retirement to face Dillashaw, I get full pants people. This fight has a little something for everyone. There is the drama of being former teammates, the endless shit talk, and now, a rumor Dillashaw aborted Faber’s love child. One of those items above may not be true. Would Dillashaw entertain this match? I think that due to his lack of draw, he should consider this bout. Faber is a fan favorite and still capable of drawing pay-per-view numbers.

#8
Anderson Silva vs. Chris Weidman 2.5

I know that this one is questionable, but it is my article, and I will write what I want. Silva, who may be the most talented fighter to ever grace MMA has a lot of mileage on him. He has also recently been popped for violation of the UFC’s anti-doping policies. However, as a fan, this fight has never sat well with me.

In their first match, Weidman knocks out Silva while Silva is clowning him. Up to that point, it can be argued that Silva was dominating Weidman. In the second fight, Silva broke his leg, putting an end to the bout. One wonders if steroids caused brittle bones? Let us not worry about the science behind the previous question. It is neither here, nor there.


This is a fight I would love to see, but it will never happen. At this point, we are not even certain if we will see Silva in the octagon again. He was once again popped for violation of the UFC’s anti-doping policy. However, I will always wonder if he did not clown Weidman, would he have remained undefeated?

#7
Matt Ward vs. Steve Ward

Close friends of the “Brothers Ward” know that this bout has been brewing for years. This rivalry dates back to the early 90's, and while they are both on the decline physically, the general public would still love to see this fight happen in 2018. However, as both brothers now train out of different gyms, we are not sure it will ever happen.

Who could forget the 2014 road trip to L.A. when Steve got pissed over Matt listening to the Jerky Boys, and drinking all of the sake L.A. had to offer. This match also materialized again in 2016, when scandal erupted between the two siblings. Surveillance video revealed Matt Ward doing something that can only be described as huffing Steve’s underpants. An irate Steve Ward pushed Matt, but this domestic disturbance was broken up by the police, leaving the fans curious of what could have been.


#6
Dominick Cruz vs. Demetrious Johnson

After losing his belt to Garbrandt, we have not seen Cruz back in action. For my money, he is still one of the best in the bantamweight division. Who would not want to see these two tangle again? Fans may remember that Cruz handed Johnson his last loss back in 2011.

(Dominick Cruz - MMAJunkie.com)

Johnson has ran through the flyweight division and needs a challenge. I’m not sure if Cruz could make the weight, but a catch weight bout would be sensational. This is the type of match where belts do not matter. This is a match that would allow both men to get paid, and I’m sure that fans everywhere want to see this match happen. Both fighters are future hall of famers, and frankly, this is the fight that would propel them into the upper echelon of UFC popularity.

#5
Ronald McDonald vs. Hamburglar

Another match that has been brewing for years is Ronald McDonald versus the Hamburglar. This is not just a match made for WWE 2K17; this is a match that all fast food enthusiasts want to see. We all know that gingers are awesome, and as such, Ronald McDonald would be the favorite. He brings food, folks, and fun to everyone.


However, the Hamburglar feels like he has been overshadowed for years. He has a lot of animosity toward Ronald, and feels he should be McDonald’s number one spokesman. If that was not enough, Hamburglar has been accused of gross embezzlement. It is rumored that he has embezzled millions of dollars in hamburgers since the late 80's.


Ronald has been attempting to take the high road. He contends there is no feud between the two. However, those closest to him report that the feud is still alive and well. Even more, the Ronald camp dropped a bomb when they reported to The Weigh-In that Ronald refers to the Hamburglar as a beefer. For those who do not know, that is racially derogatory term for white hamburger enthusiasts. It is shocking to hear the family friendly clown speak with such a tone, but not surprising given the history of these two. Lets hope 2018 is the year they squash the beef.  

#4
Max Holloway vs. Frankie Edgar

Holloway is fresh off his second successful victory over Jose Aldo. The Hawaiian looks unstoppable and willing to fight anyone. In fact, the last time I was this excited about something coming out of Hawaii was when I first tried Spam. I should also mentioned I am a huge B.J. Penn fan. He was amazing!


Holloway has really grabbed the torch and ran with it, representing Hawaii with extreme dominance of the featherweight division. Who better to test the Hawaiian than New Jersey’s own, Frankie “The Answer” Edgar? One may recall, Edgar had previous success against another Hawaiian, B.J. Penn. This fight bodes the question of can he transfer his previous success against the hard-hitting Holloway

This fight was actually supposed to take place, but Edgar recently suffered an orbital bone fracture, forcing him to pull out. This infuriated the Ward brothers as everyone knows, they do not believe in pulling out. We wish Edgar a speedy recovery and truly hope this fight gets underway in 2018. 

#3
Luke Rockhold vs. Daniel Cormier 

While I am aware they train out of the same camp, a fan can dream. Rockhold against Cormier would be an amazing show down. We have two world-class wrestlers who know each other’s game. This fight would promise to be an excellent display of the ground game.


However, it will never happen, but is on my dream list due to Cormier not currently having anyone throw down within his own division. I feel Luke would make a worthy opponent for Cormier. While it will never happen, fans can dream of what it would be like. Both men are highly skilled and truly terrifying inside the Octagon.

#2
Conor McGregor vs. Tony Ferguson

McGregor has his choice of anything he wants to do. He recently said he would be seen inside the WWE. He followed that up with stating his next fight would be an MMA match. With the entire landscape of the sport being his oyster, there are so many options for him to choose from. However, to me, it would make the most sense that he take on Tony Ferguson.


Ferguson is one of the scariest fighters on the planet. He has no flaws in his game. On top of that, he has cardio that lasts for days, which tends to cause problems for McGregor. Whether this fight will happen remains unknown. However, this fight could have just as easily been in my number one slot. 

This fight would promise to be a good ole fashioned slugfest. I for one think that Ferguson could match McGregor on the feet, and more importantly, would be willing to do so. Not only would this match be one of the largest pay-per-view draws, it would require me to constantly change out of my wet pants, should it actually come to fruition.

#1
Jon Jones vs. Brock Lesnar

No one knows what the future holds for Jon Jones. His punishment for his latest anti-doping violation has still not been determined. Due to this, who knows when, or if we will ever see Jones in the Octagon again? However, all fans want to see him take on Brock Lesnar.


This fight would promise to be the biggest UFC bout of all time. However, both men have their PED issues, which may prevent this dream bout from ever unfolding. If they did square up, it would be amazing. Jon Jones can stand and bang, and he is also capable of wrestling with Lesnar. Jones is so versatile that one wonders if he could dominate Lesnar the way he has the rest of the UFC
While I do believe Jones vs. Lesnar belongs in the number one dream slot, it is not likely we will ever see it, truly making it a dream. At this point, I just hope Jones gets to fight again in the UFC. However, if Jones is able of a return, perhaps the two could make arrangements to fight in Japan, where I hear they are a little lax on their performance enhancing drug testing.  

Special Thanks To: 

MMA Junkie

McDonald’s French Fries

Matt Walker and the Meat Sweats Podcast

Joey “Whoa” Lawrence

WWE Spandex (Available for purchase below) - 





Monday, December 4, 2017

Dustin's Corner: Bisping Suffers K.O. Loss to Kelvin Gastelum at UFC Shanghai, China

Finally, The People’s Red Head has come back The Weigh-In!

Michael Bisping, known as the “The Count” is doing just that as of late. He suffered his second straight loss in Shanghai as Kelvin Gastelum put him to sleep with a vicious left hand. Many know Bisping took this fight on short notice after suffering a submission loss to Georges St-Pierre, which cost Bisping the middleweight title.

Anderson Silva was slated to face Gastelum, but was pulled from the card due to violation of the UFC’s anti-doping policy. It is rumored Silva took Viagra in order to keep an erection after plowing through Brazil’s working girls. While Bisping gets much respect for filling in on short notice, the fight ended early as Gastelum finished him in the first round.

Immediately following the bout, the UFC announced Bisping will face a 60-day medical suspension for safety protocol. This announcement came on the heels of the scrutiny the UFC received for allowing Bisping to participate in the bout only three weeks after being choked out by St-Pierre.

Following the suspension, Bisping is planning a retirement fight in front of his home crowd in England, at UFC London on March 17, 2018. While a knockout loss is not what “The Count” envisioned, his career has been one to be proud of. Additionally, he shocked the world by upsetting
Luke Rockhold to become the middleweight champion.

An opponent for his retirement fight is yet to be announced. However, I hope the UFC matchmakers get to work and give Bisping a competitive fight to go out on. He has had a storied career, and never avoided facing off against the upper echelon of the sport.

Special Thanks To
www.mmafighting.com for statistical information
The Ward Brothers’ Mom for Creating Great Men
Mr. Clean
Toronto
Tim Horton’s



-Dustin Johnson, The People's Red Head

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Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Dustin's Corner: Luke Rockhold Victorious at UFC Fight Night 116

Finally, The People’s Red Head has come back to the Weigh-In!

While Canelo and GGG were going at it Saturday night, Luke Rockhold was also in action. Rockhold reaffirmed his dominance in the 185 pound division by defeating David Branch with ground and pound strikes.

It has been almost two years since Rockhold lost his belt in shocking fashion to Mike
Bisping. Rockhold took the first step toward reclaiming the waist hardware Saturday night.

Round one opened with Rockhold showing octagon rust. David Branch put on a smothering attack, similar to the style Bisping utilized to pull off the upset. Branch smothered Rockhold against the octagon and continued to connect. Branch wisely left no room for Rockhold to release his devastating leg kicks. While being smothered, Rockhold gestured for his corner to calm down. Round one ended with Rockhold taking Branch down.

The take down in round one was the catalyst for a dominating round two performance from Rockhold. Rockhold owned round two. He eventually took Branch down to the canvas and submitted him with strikes.

In true Rockhold fashion, he had a lot to say during his post fight interview. Rockhold advised Georges St-Pierre to get out while he can. We all know how Rockhold feels about the pending bout between Bisping and GSP.

Saturday’s win will put Rockhold back in contention. One would think he gets to face the winner of the Bisping fight. However, the UFC goes off script all the time. The 185 pound division remains murky. There is a lot of talent at the top.

Does Rockhold have a legitimate complaint? It is so hard to say. McGregor gets his belt taken away in under six months time. It is rumored Dana White stripped McGregor of one of his belts after McGregor was caught leaving an upper decker in the executive restroom... We do not fact check people, just report what is what! (LOL)

In all seriousness, interim titles are ruining UFC bouts. Most of them have little to no significant meaning. Rockhold is at the top of the division and deserves a shot to take his title back. However, he will have to take a number.

It was a great weekend of fights, and congratulations to Mr. Rockhold!


- Dustin Johnson, The People's Red Head

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