In Salt Lake City, a disgruntled former middleweight champion spoke out against the UFC. From fighter pay to fight night bonuses, Rockhold discussed it all.
"These guys don't know what they're doing, and they're letting Dana run the show and suppress the sport," Rockhold said at Wednesday's media day. There is a need for them to grow
The whole f*cking thing needs to grow together. It's our lives on the line. The healthcare system needs to be taken care of. Our f*cking health needs to be addressed. I have not been taken care of."
Rockhold's comments offended White immediately. Furthermore, the UFC boss explained the promotion has been working on long-term healthcare for fighters after their days in the octagon are over.
It's something we've been working on since day one," White told TSN. While they're fighting here, these guys are well taken care of, and so is Luke Rockhold
Throughout his career, the former champion has struggled with health issues. Prior to UFC 199, Rockhold admitted to training with a torn MCL.
Despite this, he competed and lost to Michael Bisping. As a result of his knee deteriorating after the fight, Ronaldo Souza's main event fight at UFC Fight Night 101 was canceled.
Early in 2018, Rockhold will face Yoel Romero for the interim middleweight title. An injury to his surgically repaired leg forced him to withdraw from UFC 230 against Chris Weidman.
In 2021, Rockhold had to withdraw from UFC 268 against Sean Stickland due to herniated L4 and L5 discs in his back. Despite all the troubles he faced, White did not have to worry about his healthcare.
There will be a return to action for Rockhold at UFC 278 when he takes on Paulo Costa in the co-main event at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah.