Vicente Luque has already established himself as a top-ranked UFC welterweight, but he now has his sights set on facing notable opponents.
Luque (22-9-1 MMA, 15-5 UFC) will be taking on teammate Ian Machado Garry (13-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) at UFC 296, scheduled for December 16th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card will be broadcasted on pay-per-view, with prelims expected to air on ESPN and ESPN+
Following his victory over former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos at UFC on ESPN 51, Luque is eager to continue building his reputation by facing undefeated and outspoken Garry.
“I’ve already been among the top five. I’ve been ranked as the No. 4 welterweight in the division, so I’ve already reached that level,” Luque revealed during an interview with MMA Junkie Radio. “But for me, it’s about having fights that will attract attention, that will showcase my skills and abilities. The fight against RDA was a perfect example – he’s a former champ, not ranked in my division, but he was No. 9 in the lightweight division and had a significant history.
“We fought in the main event, and people were watching. It was a fight that made a lot of sense for me, and I see Ian as a similar type of fight. Why? He’s an up-and-coming, undefeated, young guy, a prospect with a strong fan base. At the same time, he’s a guy who talks a lot, and that generates both love and hate. Many people want to see him lose. Regardless, people will be tuning in.”
Although Luque is no longer ranked in the top five, he has notable victories over former champion Tyron Woodley, top contender Belal Muhammad, and Michael Chiesa. He prides himself on his fighting skills rather than trash talk and aims to attract more viewers to his matches.
“I’ve already proven that I can compete against the toughest guys. I’ve already reached the top five of the division. Now, what I need is for people to watch me, to know who I am, to understand my style, and to support me,” Luque stated.
For more information about the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 296.
Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.
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