Published 01/24/2023, 5:30 PM EST
After bidding adieu to the UFC after his valiant display at UFC 278 last year, former UFC champion Luke Rockhold is eyeing a comeback to the ring. However, the gloves might weigh heavier if the American fighter decides to chase his next target in the boxing ring. Notably, the former middleweight fighter has teased his comeback in 2023. However, going by the recent interviews and the social media posts, the retired MMA fighter has zeroed in on the YouTube sensation-turned-professional boxer, Jake Paul as his target. Similarly, the possibility of them crossing the gloves in the steel cage subsists as the internet sensation recently tied his future with PFL. Although the former Strikeforce champion last fought 5 months back, his recent training video gave an indication of what the fans could expect from him in the near future.
Rockhold took to his Instagram handle and put on a video of him breaking sweat and honing his boxing skills.
Rockhold puts his sparring skills on display as he calls out Jake Paul
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The fans could witness a younger training partner of the 38-year-old fighter putting pressure early in the video. Instead of taking the defensive approach, the Santa Cruz-born resorted to an aggressive response.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Luke Rockhold (@lukerockhold)
Thus, he pushed forward and hit his partner with a punch in the body. After pushing him back, the 16-6 record holder pulled a ferocious right-left combo. And again followed with powerful right-left punches as his partner is pushed back to the cage wall.
Interestingly, he captioned the post, “Jake…”
How did the fans react to the training video?
While some fans pointed out the young age of his sparring partner, others mentioned how the fight against Jake Paul might result in a loss.
One user commented, “Looks like you’re sparring a 17 year old kid”
A fan wrote, “Kid went alittle too hard and got reminded who he was dealing with.”
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 18: Jake Paul reacts to knocking out Tyron Woddley in the sixth round during an eight-round cruiserweight bout at the Amalie Arena on December 18, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
A comment read, “Luke would sleep both paul brothers in the same night”
An MMA fan worriedly stated, “Bro why tf are you trying to break that other dude’s nose in sparring?”
Someone noted how the footwork might cost him the fight against Jake.
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A fan asked the UFC veteran, “Just stop dude even if he did beat you they would say oh well hes been getting beat up ever since getting ko’d multiple times in a row so hes washed.”
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Another comment read, “Crazy the begging going on to fight a YouTuber it’s sad this is what fighters resort to to get paid.”
Another user suggested that the new PFL signee wouldn’t fight him until he gets rusty and old.
Lastly, an MMA fan called him the real boss as he beats skinny schoolboys.
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What do you think of this sparring video by the former UFC champion Luke Rockhold? Do you think he would hold up against Jake Paul? Let us know in the comments below.