Pros react to Luke Rockhold’s stoppage victory over David Branch

Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold returned to the win column in the main event of last night’s UFC Fight Night 116 event in Pittsburgh by scoring a second-round stoppage victory over David Branch.

Branch had an excellent opening round against Rockhold, but Luke turned the tide in round two where he would eventually force the former World Series of Fighting champion to tap-out due to strikes.

Here is how the pros reacted to Luke Rockhold’s big win.

Let's get it Branch !

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) September 17, 2017

Let's go champ!!!! @LukeRockhold kick some ass brother

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) September 17, 2017

I'm super stoked to see Rockhold fighting again. IMO he has the best, most well rounded skill set in the game. #UFCPittsburgh

— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) September 17, 2017

Great round for branch!

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) September 17, 2017

Rockhold refuses to hold hands high. Defensive mistakes have not been resolved. #UFCPittsburgh

— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) September 17, 2017

Rockhold refuses to hold hands high. Defensive mistakes have not been resolved. #UFCPittsburgh

— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) September 17, 2017

Good job @LukeRockhold

— Cung Le (@CungLe185) September 17, 2017

Branch actually was tapping

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) September 17, 2017

Rockhold on top of you or taking your back is death. #UFCPittsburgh pic.twitter.com/jbhlR2ie1c

— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) September 17, 2017

The former champ @LukeRockhold is back…Big win, great card, no scoring drama and Free for the fans. Thanks @ufc

— Ian McCall (@Unclecreepymma) September 17, 2017

When was the last time someone tapped to strikes in the @UFC? Very rare thing to see at this level. #UFCPittsburgh

— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) September 17, 2017