Rockhold needs ‘right contract’ for UFC 230 bout vs Weidman: I’d lose money by fighting

Last month, it was reported that a rematch between Luke Rockhold and Chris Weidman is being targeted for UFC 230. It’s about three weeks later, and the UFC hasn’t officially announced the match up yet.

The hold up seems to be in contract negotiations with Rockhold. The former champion says that while the bout happening in Madison Square Garden would be “fun” and “sexy,” he’s still waiting for the UFC to give him a better offer.

“No pen to paper,” Rockhold said during a sponsor event in Sioux Falls. (HT: MMA Junkie) “Of course it’s intriguing. Madison Square Garden vs. Weidman – (I’m) No. 2, he’s No. 3. It’s a pretty clear-cut fight.

“I don’t need to do anything. Business is good. We’re doing business everywhere. I’ve got a lot of things going on. When you show me the right contract, I’ll sign the right contract.”

“I’m nowhere near done fighting. But it’s got to make sense. I’m not going to take off time and lose money to go fight. I love what I do and I know I have a lot more to give in this sport. But these people need to get their contracts straight. They need to get their priorities straight with what they want and where they want to go. I know what I want. Everything is good. I’m not going to (expletive) lose money fighting. I’m doing very well outside the cage.”

Rockhold was also at odds with the UFC almost two years ago about his contract. In October 2016, he was said to have received a better deal, but there “still a lot of improvement to make” money-wise. He has fought twice since then, going 1-1 with a win over David Branch and an interim title loss to Yoel Romero.

The former UFC and Strikeforce champion has a lucrative modeling career outside of fighting. After his bout with Romero, Rockhold was also announced as Ralph Lauren’s “new face of the Polo Blue fragrance” and has made numerous shoots and appearances for the company.