Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold is chomping at the bit to return to action. With UFC 276 slated as a potential return date, Rockhold is hoping to take on Paolo Costa, who he told The MMA Hour was “broken” by years of steroid abuse.
“So within all these rules, it’s like, alright, you don’t want to make weight, you want to make all these excuses — you’re just a f****** b**** when it comes down to it, and your steroids aren’t working anymore.
UFC Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold Says Paolo Costa Is A ‘B**ch, Steroids Aren’t Working Any More’
You got caught up, and you’re looking for a way out. He’s always needed assistance, in whatever way, it’s obvious. So f****** show up. Show up and show out.” Rockhold continued, pointing out that the stylistic matchup isn’t quite as advantageous for Costa as one might think.
“On paper, maybe he’s a bad matchup for me — so people say. I love defying odds and I love the opportunity. I feel better than I ever felt. I fought through four surgeries, maybe, this past time off, and I’m not coming back for no reason.
Every fight I have is a title fight or a main event, or something of those sorts. So I need a big fight, and I need a good dance partner. I want to do this thing right.”
Paulo Costa struggled to make weight in his last UFC outing, fighting Marvin Vettori at light heavyweight when he missed the 185-pound middleweight limit by a whopping twenty pounds. Costa’s inability to make weight may well be a factor in his refusal to sign on the dotted line when it comes to a fight against Luke Rockhold.
“That’s what everyone thinks. Let’s go. Sign the f****** fight. Why is Paulo Costa getting scared and not signing the contract? The contract’s there. It’s ready for you. Anthony Smith’s a f****** bum, hasn’t done anything in this f****** sport — contradicts himself soundly in that statement.
I know that at my best, no one can beat me. I plan to finding that space. I’ve devoted everything to this thing. I’ve taken this time away, and I kind of lost that hunger, and it’s come back. I’m either going to go do it, or I’m going to go out on my shield. So this is my f****** last run at this thing, and I’m not leaving anything on the table.”
Rockhold currently competes at light heavyweight, and would likely want to face Costa at 205 pounds. Is Rockhold vs Costa the fight to make? Let us know in the comments.
