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Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold made a triumphant return to combat sports with a knockout victory over Joe Schilling at Karate Combat 45 in Dubai. The event, held earlier this evening, featured a headline bout between Rockhold and Schilling, two seasoned fighters with impressive resumes.
Rockhold (16-6 MMA) came into the fight seeking his first combat sports victory since 2017 when he defeated David Branch at UFC Pittsburgh. Following that win, Rockhold faced a series of setbacks in the UFC, losing three consecutive fights. He later competed in BKFC, where he faced Mike Perry but ultimately quit the fight after suffering dental injuries.
Facing Rockhold was Joe Schilling (4-6 MMA, 23-9 Kickboxing), a former Glory middleweight tournament champion returning to action after a hiatus since his knockout loss to Tony Johnson at Bellator 229 in 2019.
The bout between Rockhold and Schilling ended in the third round, with Rockhold delivering a decisive overhand right that sent Schilling to the canvas. Rockhold followed up with ground and pound, prompting the referee to stop the fight.
In his post-fight interview, Rockhold called out fellow former UFC champion Lyoto Machida, expressing his desire to fight him in the Karate Combat pit. Rockhold taunted Machida, referencing their previous fights and the absence of elbows in Karate Combat.
The official result of the bout was declared as a knockout victory for Luke Rockhold in the third round.
Rockhold's win has sparked speculation about a potential matchup between him and Machida under the Karate Combat banner. Fans are eager to see if this fight materializes and who would emerge victorious in a clash between these two skilled fighters.