Both Rockhold and Machida took to the center of the octagon quickly and Machida was the first to find success with his striking. It seemed as if he found his distance as he popped Rockhold several times but his momentum was cut off when he was thrown to the ground due to an errant strike. The tides turned and Rockhold gained momentum when he landed top control. Machida gave up his back with less than a minute remaining and Rockhold threatened a rear naked choke, but he was in no position to finish it. Rockhold noticed time was about to expire in the round and he postured up and BLASTED Machida with an elbow. Rockhold was about to fire off but Machida was saved by the bell.

Machida was more cautious with his striking at the start of the second, but it wasn’t long before he was on the ground again. Rockhold gained control of Machida’s back and locked in the rear naked choke. Machida, flattened out, had no choice but to tap.

Luke Rockhold is likely next in line for a shot at the UFC Middleweight Championship.

Luke Rockhold def. Lyoto Machida by way of Submission (Rear Naked Choke) 2:31 of Round 2

“Luke Rockhold, Countdown to UFC on FOX 15 Feature (Part 2) — FIGHT WEEK!”