Former UFC fighter Luke Rockhold made his debut in bare knuckle fighting at the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 41 event, but it didn’t go as planned. Rockhold lost a serious chunk of one of his front teeth, leaving a jagged remnant. Despite the setback, Rockhold vows to continue fighting.
Rockhold’s loss was a setback to his post-UFC career, which began after he won his release from the promotion on a 1-4 skid that culminated with a decision loss to Paulo Costa at UFC 278. During that time, Rockhold stepped away from the sport for three years as he contemplated his future following a knockout loss to Jan Blachowicz at UFC 239.
In the bare knuckle fight against Mike Perry, Rockhold suffered a serious injury that left him with a missing chunk of one of his front teeth. In a post-fight statement, Rockhold said that he wasn’t done with fighting but that he wanted some protection for his hands.
“Well, f***. What can I say? You can check bare knuckle off the list. It’s some crazy shit. Those little knuckles got me, square on the front two [teeth]. Maybe a beard, maybe a better mouthpiece. It’s a good fight. It’s a shame it had to end that way. Motherf***** Mike, you tough bastard. Congrats. Thanks to my sponsors. Thank the people. I’m not done. Some gloves would be nice, though.”
Rockhold’s statement has sparked a debate about the safety of bare knuckle fighting and whether fighters should be required to wear gloves. Some argue that bare knuckle fighting is more dangerous and leads to more injuries, while others argue that it’s a more authentic form of fighting and that gloves actually cause more injuries.
Regardless of the debate, Rockhold’s loss has raised concerns about the safety of bare knuckle fighting and the need for better protection for fighters. It remains to be seen whether Rockhold will continue to fight in bare knuckle events or whether he will switch back to MMA or another combat sport.
The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship has gained popularity in recent years, with a growing number of fighters making the transition from MMA and boxing to bare knuckle fighting. The organization has faced criticism for its lack of regulations and safety standards, but it has also drawn praise from fans who appreciate the raw, unfiltered nature of the sport.
As the popularity of bare knuckle fighting continues to grow, it’s likely that more fighters will make the transition from traditional combat sports. However, the safety of the fighters should always be a top priority, and organizations like the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship should take steps to ensure that their fighters are properly protected.
In the meantime, Luke Rockhold will continue to recover from his injuries and contemplate his future in combat sports. Despite the setback, he remains determined to continue fighting and proving himself as one of the best fighters in the world.
The world of combat sports is constantly evolving, and the rise of bare knuckle fighting is just one example of this evolution. While the sport has its detractors, there are also many who appreciate its raw, unfiltered nature.
However, the safety of the fighters should always be a top priority, and organizations like the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship should take steps to ensure that their fighters are properly protected. Whether this means requiring gloves or implementing other safety measures, it’s important to ensure that fighters can compete without risking serious injury.
Luke Rockhold’s loss in his bare knuckle debut is just one example of the risks that fighters face in combat sports. While he may have suffered a setback, he remains determined to continue fighting and proving himself
