Luke Rockhold’s light heavyweight debut did not go as planned.
After a rather tepid first-round, Jan Blachowicz landed a brutal left hook to Rockhold to earn the KO victory.
The fight was not without some controversy, as Blachowicz landed a kick right as the first-round was coming to an end. Referee Herb Dean ruled that the strike was not after the bell.
Full report via Cole Henry
Luke Rockhold vs. Jan Blachowicz (Light-heavyweight)
Round 1: Rockhold shoots right away, but Blachowicz is defending. Rockhold is trying to get this fight down but he just can’t find anything right now. Blachowicz connects with a solid elbow in the clinch, and then a left hook! Jan connects with a right hook! Rockhold is wide open and Jan drops him with a high kick right as the bell sounds! Wow! Rockhold was hurt by that strike! (10-9 Blachowicz)
Round 2: They exchange in the initial seconds of the round, Blachowicz appeared to get the better of Rockhold. Rockhold closes the distance with a lead left hook, and then shoots but can’t find the takedown. They separate and Blachowicz connects with a left hook! Rockhold is down and out!
Result: Jan Blachowicz def. Luke Rockhold via KO (Punch) Round 2, 1:39
Analysis: Blachowicz looked great, but Rockhold just never seemed to get going. I think the ship has sailed for Rockhold, but he will likely retain a bit of a draw despite this loss.
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