Video: Why is Luke Rockhold packing on pounds? 'I've gotta be Jon Jones'

Serving as one of upcoming title challenger Daniel Cormier’s primary training partners is no easy job, but Luke Rockhold said there are a few perks.

Rockhold, a UFC middleweight contender who’s helping Cormier prepare for his early-2015 title fight, is trying to mimic his teammate’s upcoming opponent: light heavyweight champion and MMA pound-for-pound kingpin Jon Jones.

“I’ve got to get back into camp with Daniel Cormier,” said Rockhold, eating some snacks this past weekend prior to UFC 180 in Mexico City. “I’ve gotta be Jon Jones. I’m packing on some pounds, as you can see, trying to get a little weight advantage for camp for ‘DC.’”

Rockhold, who hopes to earn a 185-pound title shot in 2015, is currently focused on Cormier’s 205-pound shot. Cormier (15-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) puts his undefeated record on the line when he meets Jones (20-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) in UFC 182's pay-per-view headliner on Jan. 3 in Las Vegas.

However, don’t expect Rockhold (13-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) to pack on too much weight. With a recent win over Michael Bisping, the former Strikeforce champion, who’s currently ranked No. 4 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA middleweight rankings, knows he’s close to a title shot. He also knows his best shot may come as a replacement fighter on short notice.

That’s why he’ll be ready to fill in for either of the division’s two upcoming marquee matchups: champ No. 1 Chris Weidman (12-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) vs. No. 3 Vitor Belfort (24-10 MMA, 13-6 UFC) at UFC 184 on Feb. 28, or No. 6 Lyoto Machida (21-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC) vs. No. 9 C.B. Dollaway (15-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 58 on Dec. 20.

“I’ll be in shape; I’ll be ready to go,” Rockhold said. “If anything happens for the title, if one of the guys gets injured, I’ll be ready to fill in.”

Check out the above video as Rockhold discusses a potential last-minute booking, whether Belfort will be a different fighter without testosterone-replacement therapy, his prediction for the title fight, and his thoughts on the victory over Bisping.

And for more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.