Luke Rockhold: Keith Jardine does not deserve a title shot

On September 10, Luke Rockhold had his hand raised in victory after a five round bout with Ronaldo Souza, advancing his record to 8-1 and more importantly capturing the Strikeforce Middleweight Championship. 

On Saturday, Rockhold will defend his title for the first time, facing Keith Jardine, who will be making his Middleweight debut in the title bout. The two will headline a Strikeforce card from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

Jardine came to the fight after Rockhold’s originally schedule opponent, Tim Kennedy, was forced to withdraw from the fight due to an injury.  An incredulous Rockhold had the following to say about the fact that he is facing Jardine in his first title defense, “No, I don’t think he deserves a title shot! It was a replacement fight on short notice, so it is what it is. I’m happy to face him and excited about the challenge! I was supposed to fight Tim Kennedy but he pulled out do to injury! He is the fight that makes sense and I want fights that make sense in the future!” – for more see MMASucka.com

 Further Reading: Luke Rockhold is the New Strikeforce Middleweight Champion