Lyoto Machida is open to the idea of facing Luke Rockhold in a Karate Combat Rules match as long as the compensation is suitable.
After Rockhold’s victory over Joe Schilling at Karate Combat 45 in Dubai, the former UFC light heavyweight champion responded to Rockhold’s call-out.
Machida expressed his enthusiasm on Instagram, stating that he is already fired up and ready for the challenge. Now, he is looking to finalize the details and schedule a date for the anticipated showdown.
The two fighters previously met in the UFC in 2015, which led to Machida earning a shot at the middleweight title. Machida’s last fight was in 2022, following the expiration of his Bellator contract and a loss to Fabian Edwards.
Rockhold’s recent fights include a decision loss to Paulo Costa in August 2022 and a TKO defeat to Mike Perry in 2023 under bare-knuckle boxing rules. His win over Schilling marked his return to victory after a two-round stoppage. The organization was established in 2017.
In a post-fight interview in Dubai, Rockhold expressed his desire to face Machida again, emphasizing their history and the absence of elbow strikes in Karate Combat. He playfully urged the organizers to prepare the checkbook, acknowledging Machida’s need for a well-deserved payday.
