Michael Bisping Teases Trilogy Fight with Luke Rockhold in Karate Combat
Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping has ignited speculation of a potential trilogy showdown with Luke Rockhold, this time in the unorthodox setting of Karate Combat. The revelation came during a recent episode of Bisping’s podcast, ‘Believe You Me’, where he expressed eagerness for another clash with his longtime rival.
Bisping’s bold declaration came in response to fan clamor following Rockhold’s victory over Joe Schilling at Karate Combat 45. The British fighter, known as ‘The Count’, entertained the idea of settling the score with Rockhold in a Karate Combat bout, stating, “I’ll do a Karate Combat against Luke Rockhold. I’ll do it. I will have a trilogy with Luke Rockhold in Karate Combat. I would love to.”
The history between Bisping and Rockhold dates back to their iconic encounters in the UFC. Bisping stunned the MMA world by dethroning Rockhold with a TKO victory at UFC 199 in 2016, avenging his previous loss to Rockhold in 2014. The rivalry stands at 1-1, leaving fans eager for a decisive third bout to settle the score.
However, both fighters are now in the twilight of their careers, with Bisping aged 45 and Rockhold aged 39. The window of opportunity for a trilogy fight is rapidly closing, adding a sense of urgency to the potential matchup.
Rockhold’s recent resurgence in Karate Combat has reignited interest in the rivalry, with former UFC champion Lyoto Machida also expressing interest in facing Rockhold. Machida’s comments have further fueled speculation and anticipation for potential future matchups in the organization.
As fans await further developments, the possibility of a Bisping-Rockhold trilogy in Karate Combat adds an intriguing twist to their storied rivalry, showcasing the enduring appeal of their rivalry across different combat sports platforms.
