Luke Rockhold, former UFC middleweight champion and one of the most physically dangerous men alive, sat down with America’s 1st Freedom editor Frank Miniter in a video interview for NRApubs to share his unapologetic views on the Second Amendment. Known for his unshakable composure in the ring, Rockhold brought the same intensity to the conversation – only this time, it was about why every American should have the right to bear arms. “You’d be surprised,” Rockhold told Miniter, when asked why someone with his physical skill would even need a gun. “People don’t fight fair.”
The Equalizer Everyone Can Use
Rockhold emphasized that firearms level the playing field in dangerous situations. “A tiny little guy… could be as tough as you with a gun at a distance,” Miniter pointed out, to which Rockhold quickly agreed. For him, it’s not about using force – it’s about knowing you can defend yourself. “Just having it can ice down the issue,” Rockhold said. “Make things a little more cordial.” In Rockhold’s world, awareness and preparedness are key. A firearm, to him, isn’t a toy or a status symbol – it’s insurance for survival in a chaotic world.
Self-Defense Is a Personal Right
Despite his martial arts background, Rockhold isn’t allowed to respond physically to conflict in the way most might assume. “I’m a lethal weapon, technically,” he said, explaining how many laws restrict how fighters can defend themselves with their own hands. Having a firearm, he added, helps restore a sense of security that his own fists aren’t legally allowed to offer in public. This point is striking – when even a professional fighter feels vulnerable, it highlights how crucial the Second Amendment is for everyday citizens who don’t have black belts and UFC belts to back them up.
Learning Firearms as an Adult
Unlike many in the gun rights space, Rockhold didn’t grow up as a regular shooter. His earliest memories involve BB guns and slingshots, but it wasn’t until adulthood that firearms became part of his life. “As I became an adult, it was just something… it’s a good way to release tension and protect yourself,” he said. Rockhold described how his passion for shooting developed over time, evolving from casual interest into a core part of his personal philosophy. The connection he drew between fighting and firearms, discipline, repetition, and technical precision made it clear that this isn’t just a hobby for him. It’s a mindset.
Training With the Best in the Game
Miniter asked Rockhold about his firearms training, and the fighter didn’t disappoint. He revealed that he regularly trains with Taran Tactical, one of the most famous firearms trainers in the country, as well as with former Navy SEALs and elite-level shooters. “I’ve had a very blessed opportunity to be around a lot of great shooters and learn from the best,” he said. It’s this commitment to doing things the right way – training seriously, respecting the weapon, and staying informed – that defines Rockhold’s approach. He’s not just pro-gun – he’s pro-responsibility.
Why Hesitation Is Dangerous
Rockhold connected his fight training to firearms by discussing the importance of mental clarity and reaction time. “You can’t hesitate,” he said. “If you hesitate, you miss all your opportunities.” That line says a lot more than it seems. Whether in a ring or in a self-defense scenario, the ability to act with confidence, backed by training, could mean the difference between life and death. His message was clear: fear, hesitation, and lack of preparation are what make people vulnerable, not the weapon itself.
Advice for Women Seeking Protection
Miniter then asked what advice Rockhold would give to someone like a young woman seeking to defend herself. Rockhold didn’t hesitate: “First line of defense – have a protective device,” he said. But he also stressed that women should take fighting and self-defense classes in addition to firearms training. “Awareness is one of the biggest things,” he added. Rockhold made a compelling point – self-defense isn’t just about owning a gun; it’s about the full package: mindset, movement, training, and confidence.
California’s Dangerous Reality
A major theme throughout the interview was how unsafe Rockhold believes California has become. He painted a dark picture: unchecked crime, a broken justice system, and prosecutors who turn a blind eye. “My car was stolen by the Mexican mafia… and they obviously do nothing about it,” he said. This first-hand frustration mirrors what millions of Californians feel. It’s why gun ownership is rising, especially among first-time buyers. For Rockhold, it’s no longer a political issue – it’s a personal one. And he’s not afraid to say it.
Rockhold’s Political Hope for Change
When asked whether he sees any hope in the political landscape, Rockhold named President Trump as someone he believes can help turn the tide. He also mentioned a coalition of Los Angeles business leaders and influencers working to “take it back.” Rockhold believes that people are waking up to reality and getting involved. That includes embracing the Second Amendment – not just as a right, but as a responsibility. “There is a movement,” he insisted. “People are starting to empower themselves.”
American Gun Owners: His Latest Mission
Rockhold shared that he’s now working with a group called American Gun Owners – an online platform offering safety courses, training, and concealed carry education for new gun owners. It’s designed for people who are just starting out, and may be overwhelmed by the legal and logistical hurdles. “We offer training services, license permits, online courses,” Rockhold said. In a world flooded with misinformation and fear-mongering, a resource like this helps demystify the process and get more responsible people involved.
Why This Matters So Much
It’s hard not to respect someone like Luke Rockhold – he could rely on his fists, but chooses instead to stand up for an idea. The way he talks about guns isn’t boastful or extreme. It’s grounded in lived experience. It’s thoughtful. And it’s urgent. What’s most fascinating is how seamlessly he connects the physical discipline of martial arts with the constitutional right to self-defense. It’s not about violence – it’s about freedom, confidence, and never being a victim.
A Voice That Cuts Through the Noise
Rockhold isn’t a politician, and that’s what makes his voice powerful. He’s not pushing an agenda for votes – he’s speaking from experience. His honesty about California’s decay, his frustration with the system, and his drive to empower others shows that the Second Amendment debate isn’t limited to talking heads in D.C. It’s alive in the gym, on the streets, and in the hearts of people who refuse to surrender their safety. His voice may be one of many, but it cuts through the noise with rare clarity.
Why 2A is Non-Negotiable
Luke Rockhold’s interview with Frank Miniter wasn’t just a celebrity endorsement – it was a grounded, heartfelt case for why the Second Amendment is non-negotiable. Rockhold made it clear: the right to bear arms isn’t about fear or ego – it’s about freedom, preparation, and protecting what matters most. In a world where crime feels closer than ever, Rockhold’s words remind us that courage sometimes comes with a holster – and that the strongest people are often the most humble about why they carry.
A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa is our dedicated Second Amendment news writer and also focuses on homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Lisa aims to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.