This week, it's now or never for middleweight Rockhold
With just under three weeks to go before he challenges UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman at UFC 194, Luke Rockhold has two hard weeks of training to go before he switches gears to cutting weight. That's two weeks of grinding against some of the best in the world at San Jose's American Kickboxing Academy.
Still, as Rockhold explained to us Monday morning, this week is the week, for him. "I've got two hard weeks left but this week, everything really kind of hits you," he said.
"You really focus in on everything you do and you want to make a point of how you're going to fight in every f--king situation, possible."
The 31 year-old is as confident a fighter as they come but, make no mistake about it, he is also reflective and self-critical. Three weeks before fighting, all that self-examination comes to a head for the challenger.
"You're so critical, especially this week," he admitted.
"Next week is kind of about watching yourself and being protective, but this week is always a big focus for me."
Rockhold believes that he has what it takes to dethrone Weidman, and that he'll walk away from Las Vegas next month with gold wrapped around his waist. That doesn't mean that he underestimates the champion in any way, however.
The AKA fighter may be coming off of dominant wins against the likes of Michael Bisping and Lyoto Machida, but he understands that Weidman represents a different type of challenge. "It's such a multi-dimensional fight," he details.
"I just have to be on my game, everywhere, really. Be relaxed, be sharp. Can't get too lazy."
Rockhold believes that no one has ever pushed him enough to show all that he has in his arsenal. He suspects that Weidman may be the man to do it.
On fight night, Rockhold — like his opponent, and all fighters — will likely ride a wave of emotions leading up to his walk to the cage. Chances are, the moment his feet touch the Octagon mat, he'll feel confidence bordering on hubris.
It's a necessity, really. A meek and unsure person does not let him/or her get locked into a cage with a trained warrior in front of millions.
In that moment, Rockhold will know he has what it takes to win. He will know it, however, because of the work he put into weeks like this week.
Fight night is the time for feeling invincible. Three weeks out is the time to let your insecurities drive you to perfection.
"It's an everything game," Rockhold said of his contest against Weidman.
"When you're fighting a guy like Chris, he's well-rounded. So, I've got to be ready."
