Photo by Esther Lin
Luke Rockhold defeats Keith Jardine by Knockout at 4:26 in the first round.
Luke Rockhold entered the cage without his Strikeforce middleweight title, almost saying that he wasn't losing the fight as Jardine was undeserving of the title shot. There was a lot of criticism as most assumed that Rockhold's first defense would be against Tim Kennedy. However, an undisclosed injury kept Kennedy sidelined. Announcer Mauro Renallo called Jardine's stand up "herky-jerky" throughout much of the fight while Rockhold attempted to cut the cage off.
Luke Rockhold landed several punches which stunned Jardine. He collapsed Jardine against the cage before raining down punches. It got to the point that the announcers were asking outloud when the referee would stop the fight. It would come to an end with under a minute left in the first round. Herb Dean stepped in at 4:26 to save Jardine from more damage.
Rockhold is undefeated in Strikeforce and has successfully defended his title in ninth career victory. Keith Jardine was an underdog. He is now 17-10-2 in his career.
0 recs | 9 comments
I was hoping Mauro would at least use a different phrase from Goldie
Herky-Jerky just sounds stupid
Cunny - January 8, 2012
I hope Keith hangs em up. He had some high points, but I think it’s safe to say that he’s shot.
MicahtheCynic - January 8, 2012
I gotta agree
The question is whether or not he has anything to fall back on.
Chris Hall - January 8, 2012
He can always fall back on his job at Mean 1 University
M1U may not be a tier-1 school, but they have a great retirement package…and a very unusual one!
Tedd Welch - January 8, 2012
thanks, Todd
Chris Hall - January 8, 2012
Hopefully Rockhold stays healthy, the guy could very well be future UFC MW Champ
KOQ24 - January 8, 2012
Id like him to face some UFC competition, it looks like he doesnt want to stay in SF
As much as people hate on bisping, i think his style would give Luke loads of problems once the second round starts due to Bisping being a slow starter.
elmojo - January 8, 2012
IDK, Luke has pretty good conditioning.
You never know though.
Warbreezy - January 8, 2012
Beating Jardine at MW means nothing.
Before fighting the upper echelon of the UFC MW division he needs to fight Tim Kennedy first and if he wins he (Rockhold) needs to convincingly defeat Jacare. Rockhold still has work in Strikeforce to do before graduating to the UFC. Never count your chickens before the eggs hatch.
BrothaDarkness - January 8, 2012
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Bloody Elbow to post a comment.