UFC 194: 5 keys to victory for Luke Rockhold

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Apr 18, 2015; Newark, NJ, USA; Luke Rockhold (blue) celebrates with his corner after defeating Lyoto Machida (not pictured) in their middleweight bout during UFC Fight Night at Prudential Center. Rockhold won via second round tap out. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Listen to the Corner

Weidman has a great coaching staff. Between his time grappling with Renzo Gracie and his MMA training at Serra-Longo Fight Team, Weidman has been molded into one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Matt Serra is a tremendous vocal presence in the corner for Weidman but Rockhold trains at one of the premier gyms in all of MMA – easily a top five gym – and his team’s in-fight coaching and adjustments will play a major role in this bout.

American Kickboxing Academy has long been one of MMA’s best gyms and is home to numerous top fighters including current UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier and former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez.

One of the things AKA coaches and fighters have always been tremendous at is making adjustments between rounds. Rockhold needs to listen to his corner’s expertise and he needs to act on their direction.

Weidman and Rockhold are evenly matched in a lot of ways. That mean the winner of this bout will likely be the man who is able to make those necessary minor adjustments in the bout to gain the advantage. Both fighters have great corners to lean on but with AKA Rockhold has a slight advantage in support.

Next: 1. Get Top Position

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