UFC champion Luke Rockhold opens door to Michael Bisping rematch in UK
By James Dielhenn
Last Updated: 26/02/16 10:05am
Luke Rockhold has mocked Michael Bisping’s punching power but insisted he would travel to London to give his old rival a rematch.
The Californian (15-2) became UFC middleweight champion in December with a stoppage-win against Chris Weidman, a year after handing Bisping (27-7) a submission defeat.
England's top UFC representative Bisping will fight all-time legend Anderson Silva in London this weekend and Rockhold has flown over to watch - but smiled when remembering his time inside the Octagon with his Lancashire adversary.
Let's just say, if we fought again I wouldn't need to keep my hands up.
Luke Rockhold
"Let's just say, if we fought again I wouldn't need to keep my hands up," he exclusively told Sky Sports.
"There was some fun banter heading into it. I knew I'd get that from Bisping so it was even better to shut him up in the way that I did. I respect him as a competitor."
Rockhold, after withstanding a torrent of pre-fight jibes, finished Bisping in the second-round of their 2014 fight in Australia, only the second time that the middleweight champion has competed outside of the United States.
But having spent time in London, Rockhold is open-minded to seeing his own name up in lights in the nation's capital to give Bisping the world title opportunity that has so far eluded him.
"So if Bisping pulls this thing off, it would for him not to get a title shot," he said. "And why not right here? I'd be more than happy.
"I wouldn't be opposed to it, it's a beautiful city and I love coming here. Definitely, The O2 Arena would be a fun place to go."
