Luke Rockhold reveals what it would take for a UFC comeback, but the demand is massive

Earlier this year, Rockhold briefly signed with the GFL (Global Fight League) and was set to face Chris Weidman in a rematch of their 2015 middleweight title fight. However, the bout never materialised.

Rockhold, who won that UFC 194 meeting, says he would only think about returning to MMA if a title fight was on the table.

Speaking to MMA Fighting, he said: “I do well. I’ve got a lot of good investments, and I’ve got some money. I’m not rich by any means so it’s get rich or die trying.”

“Why the f— would I go back to MMA? There would have to be a big opportunity and a big reason. There would have to be title implications and there would have to be big money,” Rockhold added.

Even with that looking like an unlikely path back into the UFC, Rockhold has still shared his thoughts on current middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev.

Luke Rockhold names one foe who could beat Khamzat Chimaev

Chimaev captured the middleweight title in convincing fashion last weekend, cruising to a dominant decision win over Dricus du Plessis.

The new champion is already fielding plenty of interest from potential challengers, with several fighters being mentioned as possible next opponents.

In Rockhold’s view, though, Reinier de Ridder stands out as the most immediate threat to Chimaev’s title reign.

“I don’t like to give him much credit because he’s not that good, but I still think a guy like Paulo Costa would pose problems,” Rockhold told Bloody Elbow. 

“His wrestling defence is not bad and look at what he did against Yoel Romero, even though Romero doesn’t stick to his wrestling but he was able to defend a lot of takedowns.

“But in reality, I like De Ridder. He’s probably the number one choice for this thing, for sure.”