Luke Rockhold will be ready to “fill in” for Romero or Whittaker

Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold has not been seen in the Octagon since he surrendered the title to Michael Bisping just over a year ago, and at the moment, he still doesn’t have a return fight booked. That said, the former champ is staying ready, in the event that either Robert Whittaker or Yoel Romero is forced out of their UFC 213 interim middleweight title fight.

Apparently, the former champ will happily step in for either man. Rockhold explained the situation in a recent interview with TMZ.

“I’m training,” he said (h/t MMAMania). “I’ll be ready. If something happens to Yoel, Whittaker, I’ll be ready to fill in.” 

While Rockhold claims he’ll be ready to replace Romero or Whittaker in the event of an injury, however, he also suggested that he might soon be booked for a bout with former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Gegard Mousasi, who is currently working on negotiating a new contract.

“Ask Mousasi, that’s what they want. I like it,” he said. “It’s just a matter of…he’s a man of principle, so I give him some credit, he’s going to wait and see the best offer. Can’t fault a man for that, but I think that’s the fight that makes sense right now.”

While these fights are ones Rockhold would absolutely take, however, his main focus is still on a tie-breaking trilogy fight with the current champ Bisping, who is unfortunately on the injury list.

“Is he gonna fight anybody in the division that’s worthwhile? I’m just gonna do my thing, I’m gonna fight when I have to fight. I’m looking for a fight. Of course I want a third fight with Michael.”

Who do you want to see the former champion Luke Rockhold fight next? Play matchmaker in the comments section!

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 6/11/2017.