Luke Rockhold, the former UFC middleweight champion, calls it a day in his UFC career after a gruesome battle with former title challenger Paulo Costa at UFC 278.

The American Kickboxing Academy prodigy returned to the UFC octagon after a three-year-long hiatus. He took on the Brazilian middleweight sensation Paulo Costa in the co-main event of UFC 278 today, inside Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Both the fighters displayed sheer heart inside the cage and went up to the distance. But the rust was visible on the 37-year-old American fighter. However, after three full rounds of the gruesome battle, Costa had done enough to get a nod from the judges. He won the bout via unanimous decision.

With this loss, Rockhold was on a three-fight skid now. Unfortunately, it was enough for the 37-year-old. Right after the loss, the former champion announced his retirement in the octagon interview with commentator Joe Rogan.

The 185lbs champion also gave an emotional interview. “I am f**king old,” Rockhold said. This line had Rogan chuckle. Later, he praised the fighter and said, “It’s been an honor to call your fights.”

Rockhold also hugged his friends and fellow UFC fighters, including Daniel Cormier, Gilbert Burns, and Marlon Vera, while leaving the arena. Soon after his retirement announcement, fans and UFC fighters poured in heartfelt messages to the veteran UFC fighter on Twitter.

Luke Rockhold: Brief look back at his UFC career

Before entering the UFC, Rockhold was a middleweight champion in Strikeforce and had defended his title twice in the promotion. Undefeated in Strikeforce, the American fighter entered the UFC waters.

Unfortunately, he lost the fight. But it was not stopping for the former Strikeforce champion. He won his second fight via a first-round knockout and further made his mark in the division by winning three more fights.

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Rockhold was on a four-fight win streak when he received his first UFC title shot. He defeated Chris Weidman to become the new UFC champion in 2015. However, from here, it wasn’t all glory for the AKA prodigy.

Rockhold lost his title to Michael Bisping in 2016. Following that, he only won one UFC fight from four. Nevertheless, the 37-year-old retired with a good 16-6 record, including six knockout wins and eight submission wins under his name.

Rockhold will go down as one of the finest middleweights in the history of UFC.

What are your thoughts on Rockhold’s UFC career? What is your reaction to Rockhold’s retirement announcement? Let us know in the comments section below.

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