Luke Rockhold (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

After winning three straight fights in the light-heavyweight division, Anthony Smith has been tapped to challenge champion Jon Jones next. But, recently Luke Rockhold explained why he’s confused by the UFC’s decision to go with “Lionheart”.

Following the news that Smith is expected to fight Jones at UFC 235, March 2nd, Rockhold appeared on “The MMA Hour”. During the appearance, the former middleweight champ had this to say about Smith, and the UFC’s decision to give him a title shot (quotes via MMA Fighting):

“Anthony Smith just got a title shot,” said Rockhold. “He couldn’t sniff a top 10 at middleweight… [Smith’s fight against Jones] will be over in the less than a round. That’s why I don’t understand why they made this fight.”

Since Smith moved up from 185, he’s finished Rashad Evans, “Shogun” Rua and Volkan Oezdemir. The latter is currently ranked #5 in the 205 division.

Rockhold, meanwhile is planning to move up to light-heavyweight as well. While discussing a timeline for his next bout, the decorated fighter said this:

“I was shooting for late March, but we’re looking like early April now. It just depends on what opponents fall where they may. I know Jon really wanted another fight really quick, for some reason. So he got this Anthony Smith fight [at UFC 235], so we’ll see.”

The 34-year-old Rockhold hasn’t fought since February, 2017, when he was knocked out by Yoel Romero.