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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Luke Rockhold's fighting Michael Bisping next week in Australia not because it makes sense in the advancement of his UFC career, but because of a personal verbal feud that's been building over the last year. He doesn't believe Bisping's on his level, and in an interview with Combate in Brazil, he said he's planning to end their fight quickly next week.
"I see myself knocking Bisping out quickly," he said (translated by Fernando Arbex at BloodyElbow.com). "He won't be able to find me in the Octagon. I know that I can take him down and destroy him on the ground but I don't believe that things will go that far. I really think that I'll be faster than him, I'm improving my skills a lot. I've been developing my strength, my punches and kicks, I'm using my blows better than ever. This is an opportunity to show my improvement."
If and when he gets past Bisping, he's looking for a quick turnaround. Despite defeating Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza in Strikeforce, the Brazilian remains above him in the rankings, and Rockhold wants to fight him again at UFC 184, where the division's title will be on the line.
"'Jacare' is doing fine but I beat him once," Rockhold said. "I don't like the fact that he's in front of me in the rankings. If you look at my career, I was only defeated by Belfort. But I'll prove myself again as the number one contender against Bisping. And, if this fight has to happen, I respect 'Jacare' but I'll beat him again. He's doing fine but I believe in me. I think that I'm the best in the world. I'll settle my business with Bisping and then I see myself in a fight for the number one contender spot. How good would be a bout between me and 'Jacare' be as the co-main event of UFC 184?"
Penick's Analysis: The Jacare fight is one that probably should have booked to begin with, and given Chris Weidman and Vitor Belfort had their fight delayed, it's a fight that should be booked if Rockhold gets past Bisping. The winner of that fight will be an unquestioned No. 1 contender, and it would be a great addition to the UFC 184 card. Rockhold does have to make sure to avoid a slip up against Bisping, but he should be heavily favored into that card at this stage.
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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