UFC
Luke Rockhold details "hellish" training camp into UFC on Fox 15 bout with Lyoto Machida
Apr 20, 2015 - 3:20:17 PM Luke Rockhold details "hellish" training camp into UFC on Fox 15 bout with Lyoto Machida

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Luke Rockhold had one hell of a performance on Saturday at UFC on Fox 15, taking out Lyoto Machida with relative ease in a completely one-sided performance.

He had a hell of a time getting there, though.

In an interview with FoxSports.com after the win, Rockhold said he had a rough camp into the event, filled with numerous ailments and minor injuries that plagued his preparations for the fight.

"I had a horrible training camp. This was brutal," Rockhold said. "It sucked. My body finally came around at the last second. I couldn't use my left hand for a lot of camp. I sprained a knuckle and then changed the way I punched because of it. Because of the way I punched, then, I hurt my hand. I also sprained my big toe on my right foot. So, I didn't have my left hand or my right foot, fully. I was so limited in so many ways, this camp. I cut my head multiple times, and then I got bronchitis. It was a hellish training camp."

"It definitely feels surreal to have gone in there and gotten the job done the way I did. But I knew I was going to do what I did. I felt sloppy on the feet, honestly. I could have done much better, there. But I was very confident in my ground game. I knew that I would be that much better than him, there. I feel that I'm one of the best guys out there with my control."

Up next for Rockhold is the winner of next month's Chris Weidman vs. Vitor Belfort fight at UFC 187. Of course, there's also the possibility that one of those fighters drop out, but Rockhold isn't too keen on stepping up on short notice for the title shot.

"I want a break. Mentally, I need a break," Rockhold said. "It would be hard to pass up an opportunity for the title. I've come so far. But it would also be hard to jump on that fight, last-minute, without a whole-hearted camp, with a clear conscience. I'm going to stay somewhat in shape for the next couple of weeks. If something happens in the next couple weeks and they need me to fight in that one, I'd consider it. If things fall apart in close to the fight, no. I wouldn't take it, then."

Penick's Analysis: While Rockhold would be a viable replacement at UFC 187 should Weidman or Belfort drop out, the right thing for him to do is wait out his fight and get a full camp in. He should rest up, heal up from anything that happened over the last couple of months in camp, and be as best prepared as he can be for that title fight. The best Rockhold against the best Weidman or Belfort will make for an excellent title fight later in the year.