Chris Weidman: Luke Rockhold would be 'in trouble' against me
Luke Rockhold wowed the world of mixed martial arts Saturday night, dominating former champ Lyoto Machida in a second-round submission victory that established him as the front-runner for a shot at the middleweight title.
The UFC Fight Night win impressed plenty of people, including Dana White. But one guy who wasn't impressed was Chris Weidman.
Weidman, the current middleweight champ who's set to defend his title in May at UFC 187, was watching at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, as Rockhold called him out after the fight.
"I did my part," Rockhold said. "Weidman, you're going to do your part. Let's take this across the way. Madison Square Garden. Let's make history."
Weidman acknowledged Rockhold "did amazing" against Machida, but said Rockhold would be "in trouble" against him.
"He's a very well-rounded fighter. But he doesn't have an expertise in anything, and I think that's gonna be the problem he has to face with me. I'm a master at wrestling. I'm a master at jiu-jitsu. Striking, I'm an expert as well. I'm the best at everything. He's in trouble."
Rockhold doesn't even care who has the belt after the UFC 187 co-main event between Weidman and Vitor Belfort. He has confidence he can beat either man.
"I'm the best in the world," Rockhold said. "I believe I'll beat Chris, I'll beat Vitor, and I'll beat anybody else in my path. I want the title next."
He's not the only one. "Jacare" Souza, who put away late replacement Chris Camozzi by armbar in the first round Saturday, says he's done more than enough to earn a title shot, even if you consider his Strikeforce loss to Rockhold in 2011.
"I believe 100 percent it's my time. I'm the No. 1 contender," Souza said when speaking to FOX Sports. "I fought Luke a long time ago, everybody knows, he don't beat me. The judges fight for him. I come for fight. I'm ready for the title. This is my fifth fight in the UFC. I can finish anybody in my division. It's my time."
FOX Sports' Damon Martin contributed to this report.
