Nothing rude about Luke Rockhold wanting Chris Weidman’s UFC belt

The middleweight title fight between champion Chris Weidman (13-0) and No. 1 contender Luke Rockhold (14-2) is being overlooked because of the attention paid to the UFC 194 main event involving Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor on Saturday night.

But hard-core mixed martial arts fans understand that Weidman-Rockhold has the potential to be the best middleweight championship fight in Ultimate Fighting Championship history.

Both combatants are in their physical prime and have dominated their recent opposition.

Weidman claimed the belt by defeating longtime champion Anderson Silva, then affirmed it in a rematch when Weidman checked a leg kick and snapped Silva’s leg.

The onetime Hofstra wrestler has gained further respect by retaining his belt against former UFC champions Lyoto Machida and Vitor Belfort.

Rockhold, meanwhile, came to the UFC as a former Strikeforce middleweight champion after the organization was purchased by the UFC.

Rockhold has offended some with his somewhat abrasive attitude. He was thrown off the reality television show “Millionaire Matchmaker” because of a derogatory comment to his date.

And he plays up his movie-star looks, spending more than 20 minutes after his workouts to visit and take pictures with fans.

Weidman has definitely noticed his opponent’s attitude.

For instance, Rockhold says Weidman, a father of three, cannot possibly train at his level, given his responsibilities.

Rockhold contends he won’t allow any personal relationship to distract him from his goal of the belt.

“I think his biggest weakness, no disrespect to him, is his ego,” Weidman said. “I don’t think he’s as humble as he should be. I’m more in touch with reality than he is. I’m more grounded.

“Any second that his ego is too high and he’s feeling too good about himself and there’s a lack of respect, that gives me openings.”

Rockhold lost his UFC debut against Belfort when the Brazilian landed a stunning kick to knock him out. That defeat still burns Rockhold.

He’s rebounded to score four consecutive finishes to claim the top contender spot.

“Weidman is a jiujitsu wrestler. I have wrestling and I have jiujitsu. I also have something I like to call Lu-jitsu,” Rockhold said. “I operate differently. I’ve always done things differently. You can’t prepare for what I’m going to bring. Power, athleticism, movement. After he feels one of my kicks, he’s going to be the one scrambling, trying to get back on his feet.

“I will have the upper hand wherever the fight goes.”

Rockhold says Weidman has faced faded former champions during his title run and feels he is a much more difficult task.

“His toughest opponent to date has been one of my easiest,” Rockhold said. “He trains with a bunch of jabronis, while I train with champions.”