Luke Rockhold

BIOGRAPHY

Luke Rockhold is an American professional mixed martial artist and former UFC Middleweight Champion. Born in Santa Cruz, California on October 17, 1984, he is one of the most accomplished MMA fighters of his generation. He began training in various disciplines at a young age and eventually left college to pursue his dream of becoming a professional athlete. His first foray into the world of combat sports came when he enrolled at American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in San Jose, California under head coach Javier Mendez.

Rockhold quickly found success in AKA’s amateur fighting circuit before transitioning to the professional ranks with Strikeforce where he became their middleweight champion after defeating Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza by unanimous decision. His performance earned him multiple awards such as Fighter Of The Year honors from Sherdog and Fight Matrix for 2011-2012 season along with Knockout Of The Night honors at Strikeforce: Diaz vs Daley event held April 9th 2011 against Keith Jardine.

His record was 11-1 when leading up to his transfer over to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As part of his debut match in UFC Fight Night 35 versus Constantinos Philippou, Rockhold won via submission due to strikes just before round three ended thus earning him Performance Of The Night honors for that event as well as Submission Of The Night award for UFC 194 against Chris Weidman which marked Luke’s coronation as new middleweight champion on December 12th 2015; a title which he defended successfully against Michael Bisping at UFC 199 with another finish by submission towards end of round one—earning him yet another Performance and Submission awards combined together respectively again that same night adding more accolades onto what has been already an impressive 15 year career until now wherein he currently holds a 20-5 overall record inside MMA competition across all organizations being competed throughout this span including WEC and StrikeForce prior entering onto Ultimate Fighting Championship roster back in 2013 still going strong nowadays even after losing fight versus Yoel Romero at UFC 221 held February 2018 ending winning streak previously established since November 2014 proving his resilience both physically & mentally within global level stage associated frequently with great deal demands regarding many aspects surrounding fighter lifestyle so far during this time period thereafter practicing more wisdom than ever inside Octagon leading towards keeping himself healthier than ever plus having access taking care better resources available furthered continuing writing own story thus making everlasting legacy within sport martial arts forevermore replacing old guard out there perpetuating next wave athletes coming afterwards carrying torch tradition ahead perhaps few generations come down line doing same thing everyone else does then being really distinguished stand apart from crowd only close family can attest true excellence achieved lifetime dedicated achieving goals dreams started long ago but still staying humble never forgetting roots remaining grounded truly sets example how become successful not famous maintaining humility integrity hand hand whole process collecting plenty awards accolades go way alongside victorious laurels hopefully find means pass wisdom knowledge onto younger generations someday soon hopeful make positive impact society beyond entertainment value mixed martial arts provides general public worldwide today tomorrow lastly thank those helped accomplish everything done far looks forward good things ahead future no doubt sure path will lead something greater recognizing importance remembering hardships endured journey here point therefore finishing statement off seeing regular guy strives greatness everyday life deserves respect admiration finally commended ones work ethic courage facing challenges brings forth every single day while chasing dream forever