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Luke Rockhold Faces Vitor Belfort in UFC Debut

Posted on February 13, 2013 by Jeff Cain

Luke Rockhold

Luke Rockhold

Luke Rockhold’s UFC debut will be against Vitor Belfort.

The two are slated to headline an event in Brazil, although no date or venue has been announced.

UFC president Dana White confirmed the match-up following the UFC on Fuel TV 7 pre-fight press conference in England on Tuesday.

Tatame.com reported the bout is expected to take place in April, but White did not confirm that timeframe.

“I just don’t know where or when,” said White, referring to a specific location in Brazil.

Rockhold (10-1) was the final Strikeforce middleweight champion.  He defended the belt twice.  In his last outing in July, Rockhold defeated Tim Kennedy by unanimous decision.  The fight with Belfort will be his UFC debut.

Belfort (22-10) is coming of a technical knockout win over Michael Bisping at UFC on FX 7: Belfort vs. Bisping on Jan. 19 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The former light heavyweight titleholder called for a rematch with Jon Jones following the win over Bisping.  He gets Rockhold instead.

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  • Tiddy28

    Well Rockhold got thrown into the deep end with a fight against Belfort. Tough first assignment for sure. But if Rockhold wants to get a MW title shot, you’ve got to beat some of the best. He’s got a chance from the get-go now.

    • bajafox

      You gotta admit it’s better than a “unification” fight with Anderson…

  • AJ

    Belfort by rape

  • b-soc

    Well Luke, be prepared to join the realm of highly ranked fighters who get fizzle out in their first couple of UFC fights! It was a good ride while it lasted.

  • http://twitter.com/CombatScienceMA CombatScienceMMA

    I was hoping for Vitor and Weidman so much. And Luke vs Bisping. Great fight for Rockhold though.

    • http://twitter.com/julianmoranart julian moran

      Rockhold vs Bisping is a better fight. I would give the edge to Bisping.

      • http://twitter.com/CombatScienceMA CombatScienceMMA

        Same here. Bisping made a statement saying he pretty much beat up Rockhold in a sparring session. Would have gave it a bit of hype. Oh well. Who do you have on this? I’m going with Rockhold. I would normally say Vitor but I have a different feeling on this one.

  • http://twitter.com/julianmoranart julian moran

    “Easy” fight for Belfort.

  • bmc92

    belfort has to get the winner of weidman v silva if he wins this fight.

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Chase-Brian-Beebe/100003036589335 Chase Brian Beebe

      is weidman v silva a sure thing? Silva insists he’s not fighting him

  • Madmmax

    Tough draw. I like Rockhold but Vitor will take his head off