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Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold is gearing up for an action-packed showdown as he prepares to face kickboxing veteran Joe Schilling at Karate Combat 45 in Dubai on April 20.
Rockhold's involvement in Karate Combat comes hot on the heels of his coaching role in an Ultimate Fighter-style reality show for Hardcore FC, showcasing his versatility and passion for combat sports.
The upcoming fight marks Rockhold's return to the ring since his bare-knuckle bout against Mike Perry nearly a year ago in BKFC. Despite facing a setback in that match, Rockhold has remained active and eager for new challenges, making his debut in the karate arena against Schilling.
A former champion in both the UFC and Strikeforce, Rockhold's journey has been marked by ups and downs, culminating in his retirement from competition in 2022 after a string of losses. However, his competitive spirit reignited with opportunities like the upcoming clash at Karate Combat.
On the other side of the octagon, Joe Schilling brings a wealth of experience from kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA, with a reputation for delivering devastating knockouts. Although Schilling hasn't competed since 2019, he remains a formidable opponent for Rockhold in this unique karate showdown.
The Karate Combat 45 event promises an electrifying atmosphere in Dubai, with Rockhold and Schilling headlining a card that is sure to captivate martial arts enthusiasts worldwide.
Stay tuned for more updates and additional fight announcements leading up to this thrilling event.