Luke Rockhold Scores Impressive Win Over Joe Schilling at Karate Combat 45, Targets Lyoto Machida

Photo: Instagram/Luke Rockhold

Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold made a triumphant return to the combat sports scene with a knockout victory over veteran kickboxer Joe Schilling at Karate Combat 45 in Dubai on Saturday.

Rockhold finished the fight early in the third round with a powerful right hand that sent Schilling to the canvas. He capitalized on the opportunity with ground-and-pound strikes to secure the win.

Post-fight, Rockhold didn't waste time calling out another former UFC champion, Lyoto Machida. In his interview, Rockhold said, “There’s only one man I want to fight in this pit, and that’s Lyoto Machida.

Photo: Instagram/Luke Rockhold

You’re lucky because they don’t allow elbows, so no more nightmares about the elbows. Bring it. Let’s see what you got, let’s see what the paychecks look like, bring out that check book. Lyoto, I know you need a pay-day motherf*cker, come get it.”

This victory marks Rockhold's second fight since leaving the UFC. After ending his contract with the UFC in August 2022 and considering retirement, Rockhold faced Mike Perry in bareknuckle boxing in April 2023, resulting in a TKO loss. Now, Rockhold is back in winning form under the striking rules of Karate Combat.


Rockhold and Machida have a history, having fought in 2015 at a UFC Fight Night event where Rockhold secured a victory via rear-naked choke. Machida, currently a free agent after parting ways with Bellator, has shown interest in returning to the fight scene.

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Source: Yahoo Sports 

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