UFC's Luke Rockhold to pursue modeling: 'I'm here to get paid'
Former UFC champion Luke Rockhold is looking for big paydays, whether they be inside a cage or in front of cameras.
MMA fighters regularly seek out additional avenues for income to supplement their fighting careers. A select few parlay their exposure in the MMA world into mainstream opportunities. Former UFC and Strikeforce middleweight champion Luke Rockhold is looking to become one of those few.
On a recent episode of The MMA Hour, Rockhold spoke with host Ariel Helwani about his life since he losing the UFC title to Michael Bisping at UFC 199. The185-pound contender revealed some lucrative deals outside his fighting profession are being presented to him.
“I’m doing well. I’m here (in New York) next week for fashion week,” Rockhold said. “I’ve got some big contracts that we’re working up right now. I’m just meeting with some top brands and I’m talking about some deals we could potentially tune and jump in that market.”
A somewhat vague revelation, Helwani asked if these fashion deals pertained to modeling.
“As far as modeling, yeah,” he answered. “I’m about getting paid. I’m not walking runways, but I’ll be at some of the shows, for sure. We’ll keep it under the wraps, but we’re talking the top tier brands.
“I’m a fighter at heart … but I’m here to get paid. If there is more potential there, then I’ll take it. And we’re talking big numbers. So I can laugh and let my body heal and wait for the right time to come back and fight when it makes sense.”
What would this mean for the UFC’s rumored plans of a booking against Yoel Romero? Helwani mentioned hearing the UFC wants to put together a four-man tournament including Rockhold, Romero, former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman and former Strikeforce middleweight champion Jacare Souza at November’s UFC 205 event in New York. Rockhold’s responses seemed to indicate some frustration with his UFC pay. If his modeling endeavors become a priority, that could throw a wrench in the UFC’s plans for the big apple.
“I feel like let’s make it worth my while,” the 31-year-old fighter said. “I have a good relationship with the UFC, for sure. It’s just, it’s business. They are going to make things to their advantage, of course; try to take advantage of certain things and put you in a place and do what they can. That’s business and it’s how it is. But guess what? I got my own business on the side and I can stand my ground, too. I can take some time off and I can make some money.”
Most fighting careers are anything but lengthy. The amount of time a fighter has to capitalize on monetary gain is slim. The spotlight from Rockhold’s short-lived reign as a UFC champion and the current pop culture buzz surrounding his unofficial romance with singer Demi Lovato could be pressing him to strike while the iron is hot. When a fighter is met with a high paying opportunity outside the cage, it can often mean stepping away from the sport for some time.
LAS VEGAS, NV – Luke Rockhold (top) punches Chris Weidman in their UFC middleweight championship bout during the UFC 194 event. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
“I prefer not to take too much time off,” Rockhold expressed. “I definitely want to fight. I want to get back to that title and I want to get my shot.”
Could the UFC’s return to New York in November at Madison Square Garden still be in his future?
“November sounds great,” he told Helwani. “I’d be okay with that, but at the same time if I’m going to go put off deals in (the modeling world), it’s got to make sense in my world. If I’m going to put down deals that are worth more than I’m fighting for and I’m avoiding a shoot or something I need to do, it just doesn’t make sense. I’m going to go beat my body down and put myself through hell. I love the reward in the end, but the reward has to be worth it.”
Rockhold clearly has his agenda set. The UFC belt may be gold, but it is all about the Benjamins.
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