Strikeforce middleweight champ Luke Rockhold wants Constantinos Philippou at UFC on FOX 7 | UFC News

Currently riding a nine-fight win streak, Luke Rockhold (10-1 MMA, 9-0 SF) is eager to prove his worth inside the UFC’s prestigious octagon and he already has some particular opponents in mind.

The final Strikeforce middleweight champion, Luke Rockhold, has requested a bout with Constantinos Philippou at UFC on FOX 7 in San Jose, California, on April 20, 2013, for his promotional debut. He also wouldn’t mind getting the chance to knockout Michael Bisping, too.

Luke Rockhold via MMA Fighting:

“I think Costa Philippou makes the most sense right now. He’s coming off a win, and I think he’s a good opponent. Let’s get it on at [UFC on FOX 7].”

Constantinos Philippou (12-2 MMA, 5-1 UFC) is currently riding a five-fight win streak, with his most recent victory coming over top contender Tim Boetsch at UFC 155 last month.

Rockhold also stated his desire to knockout fellow middleweight contender Michael Bisping :

“I want Bisping to stay on the up and up so I can knock him out, but I want Belfort to win because that would open a path to Anderson [Silva]. I want the fight that gets me to Anderson as fast as I can. I believe I can fight him like no one else can. I want that opportunity because I believe I’m the No. 1 contender. I want to fight Silva before Weidman does because I think he might beat him. I want to debut in the Bay Area. I’m a Bay Area boy. So if anyone wants to step up, that would be great.”

Rockhold hopes to join fellow Strikeforce imports Gilbert Melendez and Daniel Cormier who are already scheduled for bouts on the UFC on FOX 7 card set for April 20 in San Jose, California.