Former UFC welterweight contender Darren Till delivered a devastating knockout victory over Luke Rockhold at Misfits Boxing 22 on Saturday night time, claiming the inaugural bridgerweight title with a brutal third-round end at Manchester’s AO Enviornment. The victory marked Until’s fourth consecutive boxing win since transitioning from blended martial arts.
Darren Till vs. Luke Rockhold
Till dominated the contest from the opening round, dropping former UFC middleweight champion Rockhold with a strong left hand within the closing seconds of the primary body. The Liverpool native continued his assault within the second spherical, touchdown one other knockdown that was not formally acknowledged by the referee, earlier than delivering the ultimate blow at 1:08 of the third spherical.
The knockout sequence saw Till unleash a five-punch combination capped by an overhand left that sent Rockhold crashing unconscious against the ropes. The 40-year-old Rockhold, making his professional boxing debut, was left slumped against the canvas in what observers described as one of the most violent knockouts in recent memory.
On the knockout, Dillon Danis said:
“I’m so glad he put him out like that, ’trigger Luke is a scumbag. I don’t know for those who guys know Luke personally – he’s a scumbag. And I’m so glad that he went out like that. I weakened his jaw a little bit bit yesterday. However dude, Until’s left hand put him out and the way in which he was laying on the ropes. He stated, ‘F*ck you, man.’”
Following his victory, Until instantly turned his consideration to Carl Froch, storming from the ring to confront the previous tremendous middleweight champion who was seated ringside. Safety personnel needed to restrain Until as he tried to succeed in the British boxing legend, who remained seated and appeared to eat an apple whereas ignoring the confrontation.
During his post-fight interview, Till delivered a heated callout of Froch, stating: “Where is Carl Froch? Your little house? Come on in this ring. You got so much to say on your little YouTube channel with 10k viewers. Get in this ring, you little house. He’s off. He’s not about that life”. The 32-year-old fighter expressed frustration that Froch had left the venue before their potential confrontation could escalate.
In the post fight presser, Darren Till added:
“I simply don’t assume I’m going to get a battle within the influencer scene now, boxing. So, I’ve bought to go for these guys. And Carl [Froch] scurrying out of there, mate. Like, the place did he go? The place did he go? Is he in right here? The place is he, mate? Come on. Do you need to battle?”
The animosity between Until and Froch has developed over latest months, with the previous world champion criticizing Until’s preventing skill throughout his UFC profession. Froch has beforehand acknowledged he would solely contemplate a boxing comeback if a considerable monetary supply was offered, although he has proven extra curiosity in a possible trilogy battle with George Groves.
Till’s boxing record now stands at 4-0 with multiple knockouts, having previously defeated Mohammed Mutie, Anthony Taylor, and Darren Stewart since leaving the UFC in 2023. The Bridgerweight title victory represents his most significant boxing achievement to date and his first championship in any combat sport.
Till’s manager had previously revealed that several high-profile fighters, including Nate Diaz, Mike Perry, and Tyron Woodley, had declined alternatives to face the previous UFC contender. The victory over Rockhold positions Until for probably greater boxing matchups, with Jake Paul and Tommy Fury talked about as potential future opponents alongside his desired bout with Froch.
The event highlighted the growing crossover appeal of former MMA fighters in boxing exhibitions, with Till’s performance demonstrating the success that can come from dedicated transition to the sport. His undefeated boxing record and championship victory provide a template for other UFC veterans seeking new competitive opportunities outside mixed martial arts.
