UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold has been after Anderson Silva for years.

Unfortunately both men had 2013's they would rather forget. Rockhold was knocked out by Vitor Belfort that May in his UFC debut while Silva suffered his own KO at the hands of Chris Weidman at UFC 162 in July.

Rockhold hasn't lost since and captured the middleweight strap in dominant fashion when he TKO'd Weidman in December at UFC 194. Rockhold is still very interested in Silva, but believes the "GOAT" has some work to do coming off a one-year suspension for performance enhancing drugs.

"I think Silva's got to go prove himself," Rockhold told FOX Sports' Katie Nolan. "He's got a fight coming up [Feb. 27 with Michael Bisping] so we'll see. I've always wanted to fight the guy. It would be an honor to beat him up. I think Weidman gave him a shot, beat him up twice and ended up proving himself. Unfortunately it looks like I'm going to have to beat up [Weidman] again."

Rockhold is more than happy to grant Weidman an immediate rematch, making him a gatekeeper for good.

"These guys think they have a chance and I'm going to go out there a better fighter every time and make them not want that opportunity," Rockhold told FOX Sports' Damon Martin. "That's what I want every time I go out there, I want guys to not even think about getting in there with me.

"I didn't have my best performance last time so next time out, I'm going to make people fear me."

5 MUST-READ STORIES

'Bellator gave me an offer I couldn't say no to.' Benson Henderson discusses his decision to leave UFC and sign with Bellator.

New rules. California State Athletic Commission passes emergency weight-cutting rules, including bans on dehydration and IVs.

Moving on up. Sage Northcutt to train "full-time" at Tristar Gym following UFC on FOX 18 loss.

'Prizefighting is all about the prizes, after all.' Chuck Mindenhall explains how big a deal Bellator snagging Benson Henderson really is.

Trouble. Jake Shields says WSOF is "playing bulls--- little games" in contract dispute.

MEDIA STEW

Free Fight: Johny Hendricks vs Carlos Condit.

Firas Zahabi breaks down Johny Hendricks vs. Stephen Thompson.

Aljamain Sterling explains what he wants to re-sign with the UFC.

Gracie Breakdown of Sage Northcutt's tap and Ben Rothwell's choke.

Chael Sonnen talks Northcutt, Rothwell, Rumble and more.

Rockhold making his Super Bowl prediction, talks champ life and much more.

Long watches.

UFC Fight Night: Hendricks vs Thompson Care/Don't Care Preview

...

Eye of the Storm MMA Episode 31 - "The Immortal" Matt Brown

...

TWEETS

Please be careful.

Yes everyone I'm ok. Rolled truck and still made all my workouts for the day. My trucks hurt... https://t.co/MDKCgdCyFS — Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) February 2, 2016

Taxi home from the gym only 60 baht ($1.60 roughly). Love riding out in the open Thaila... https://t.co/NntuNqveF0 pic.twitter.com/xaasoa2kTi — Alpha Cat Zingano (@CatZingano) February 2, 2016

Excuses.

Excuse of the week: I was too emotional, couldn't think straight https://t.co/NA2yQMDtUW — Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) February 2, 2016

Stay on target.

Weight update. I'll b checking in with the UFC today the lowest I ever have on Tuesday!https://t.co/iYtvKnHwUz @arielhelwani — Johny Hendricks (@JohnyHendricks) February 2, 2016

Busy day.

The Snakes.





I like "Deadly Viper Assassin Squad" https://t.co/yMalvKi7ev — Joseph Benavidez (@JoeJitsu) February 2, 2016

On my way to Vegas for The JoaConstrictor @JoeJitsu fight. In between your posts, buy the newest gear @Torque1net! pic.twitter.com/FtLH5RhFDL — Lance Palmer (@LancePalmer) February 2, 2016

Snake On A Plane https://t.co/9RykKN7WxC — Joseph Benavidez (@JoeJitsu) February 2, 2016

Campaigning.

Are you with me?! UFC #TeamMiocic #UFC #MiocicvsWerdum Posted by Stipe Miocic on Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Vloggin'

April 22nd, gotta win the next fight!!!#TheOnceAndFutureKing Posted by Benson Henderson on Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Good refresher.

Lots of talk about Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones rematch being announced soon. I had completely forgotten about this interview but it makes me even more excited for their next fight. Posted by Joe Lauzon on Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Fun with Photoshop.

One of the best photoshopped pics of me I have ever seen :) pic.twitter.com/5hZSbYU969 — Rich Franklin (@RichFranklin) February 3, 2016

Alistair: let me get that Ramen Noodle

Barber: you sure

Alistair: yes please @Alistairovereem pic.twitter.com/Ed3PFbL0gK — Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) February 3, 2016

You ol Cuda Gooding Jr. lookin boy @SugaRashadEvans pic.twitter.com/z0OzyUM9tF — Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) February 3, 2016

@DerekBrunson you can say what you want I loved you as Jeffrey on Fresh Prince especially ur hairline. pic.twitter.com/fraMmXfwru — Rashad Evans (@SugaRashadEvans) February 3, 2016

"Shaking things up. When you need to train, anything works."

Shaking things up at @parneviks or what I mean, shaking @flxherngren up . When you need to train, anything works. Dont miss tonight at TV3 20.00 A video posted by AlexThemauler (@alexthemauler) on Feb 2, 2016 at 2:21am PST





FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Feb. 2 2016)

Andrey Koreshkov vs. Benson Henderson at Bellator 153

Jon Fitch vs. Joao Zeferino at WSOF 30

Jason Saggo vs. Justin Salas at UFC 196

Derek Campos vs. Melvin Guillard at Bellator 149

Found something you'd like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we'll include it in tomorrow's column.