Luke Rockhold confirms he's training in Florida, and not AKA, for UFC Fight Night 116

Former middleweight champion Luke Rockhold insists California’s American Kickboxing Academy will always be his training home, but he’s staying in Florida for his UFC Fight Night 116 prep.

Rockhold (15-3 MMA, 5-2 UFC) takes on former WSOF dual-division champ David Branch (21-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC) in the main event of UFC Fight Night 116 on Sept. 16 at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. The card airs on FS1 following early prelims on UFC Fight Pass.

Rockhold today took to social media to explain that injuries to his normal training partners back at AKA necessitated his decision.

American Kickboxing Academy will always be my home. Due to the injuries and inactivity to our key guys. My team and I have decided it best I prepare for this flight in Florida. All the usual suspects will be in my corner with the addition of @henrihooft . I'd like to thank Henri, Kami Barzini, Greg Jones and all my teammates here in Florida for helping me prepare for this fight. September 16th we ride.

A post shared by Luke Rockhold (@lukerockhold) on Aug 17, 2017 at 2:55pm PDT

Rockhold has posted multiple pictures of him training at Florida’s Combat Club under the tutelage of Henri Hooft. However, he hadn’t confirmed that AKA wouldn’t play a direct role in his pre-fight training.

Rockhold is currently ranked No. 4 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA middleweight rankings, while Branch checks in at No. 6. Oddsmaker have pegged Rockhold as a -350 favorite, suggesting a nearly 78 percent chance of winning the contest.

All about the hips. Float and flow, take their movement, take their technique, take their energy and punch em in the face. Easy work! Photo @ryanloco

A post shared by Luke Rockhold (@lukerockhold) on Aug 14, 2017 at 7:27pm PDT

Tuned in.

A post shared by Luke Rockhold (@lukerockhold) on Aug 13, 2017 at 7:21am PDT

Step your game up. Photo @sondermarketing

A post shared by Luke Rockhold (@lukerockhold) on Aug 9, 2017 at 6:44am PDT

For more on UFC Fight Night 116, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.