Luke Rockhold vs. Paul Bradley
Strikeforce’s exciting 185 pound prospect, Luke Rockhold took some time to visit with Examiner.com as he prepares for his upcoming fight against Paul Bradley at Strikeforce Challengers VI on February 26th. Luke opened up and gave the fans a glimpse into the mind of an MMA fighter.
How did you get involved with MMA?
I grew up wanting to do MMA. I always watched MMA when I was a kid. I always the young kid who got into fights, especially with my older brothers. I took Judo for a few years from 6 to 10 years old. I wrestled all through high school. I got good at jiu-jitsu after high school.
What would you say is the biggest strength in your MMA repertoire?
I’m really got good at jiu-jitsu and my submission game is very strong.
How has training at American Kickboxing Academy helped your MMA career?
It’s a huge bonus for me. There are a lot of veterans there. I’ve learned a lot from their experience.
What’s your mindset when you go into a fight?
I want to go in there and show everyone that I’m better than my opponent. I want to beat him as fast as I can.
Eric Davidson Sacramento, CA “What’s it feel like when the cage door closes and it’s just comes down to you and your opponent?”
It feels really good.. All the weight is off your shoulders.. The hardest part is just getting to that moment. Once the cage door shuts it feels complete because you know that everything you have trained for is finally happening.
Jesse Hanson Sacramento, CA “Can you describe the feeling of victory?”
There’s no rush like I get from wining a fight. Its amazing.. I can’t compare to anything I’ve ever done.
How is it that your last 4 fights all ended with the Rear Naked Choke?
Im really good at control of the back. If I get to somebody’s back I feel I can finish. It just happened to workout where I was able to get them into that submission the last several fights.
Jason Caffrey Sacramento, CA “Who do you think is the best MMA fighter in your weight class?” (You can’t pick yourself)
Anderson Silva. But anyone can win on any given day.
What’s your training like as you get closer to a fight?
It gets pretty intense. You really are trying to cover all your bases. The final week, its’ time to taper off because you have done all your work. A time for your body to recover a bit. You still do a few things to stay sharp. Weight control is huge. You gotta really watch what you eat. Well rounded diet with limited carbs and lots of fluids.
What can you tell me about your upcoming opponent (Paul Bradley) at Strikeforce Challengers 6 on February 26th?
He’s a very tough wrestler. He’s from Iowa State where they put out really great wrestlers. His wrestling is really tough.
How have you trained specifically for Paul Bradley?
I’ve been training a lot on wrestling to make it tough for him and to open him up for my striking.
Any predictions for your fight with Paul Bradley?
I’m gonna try to keep him on his feet because I think I can KO him if he’s on his feet. But if it goes to the ground, I think I can submit him on the ground. I plan on taking him out as efficient and effective as possible.
Is there anything that you would like to say to your fans?
I want thank everyone for supporting me. I also want to thank my sponsors Dethrone, Full Tilt Poker, Santa Cruz Skate shop Surf shop, and Score Clinic.
You can follow Luke on Facebook
You can check out Luke and the other upcoming MMA stars at Strikeforce Challengers VI: Prangley vs. Amoussou, live on February 26th from the San Jose Civic Center in San Jose, CA. The fights will also be broadcasted live on Showtime.
