5 of the best Vicente Luque performances in the UFC
Perhaps the most underrated fighter in the UFC is Vicente Luque. Despite the recent loss in his rematch against Belal Muhammad, 'The Silent Assassin' still has an impressive record. Furthermore, he's finished 90% of his victories. What makes these statistics even more impressive is that he's been fighting at the top of the heap for quite some time.
'The Silent Assassin' recently took on Belal Muhammad in a rematch that carries significant title fight implications. Gilbert Burns, Khamzat Chimaev, Colby Covington are a little better broadcasted in the media, Luque and Muhammad are of the same tier of those names in terms of talent.
Belal Muhammad calls out ‘coward’ Colby Covington after dominant win over Vicente Luque in UFC Vegas 51 main event (@DamonMartin) mmafighting.com/2022/4/17/2302… https://t.co/3i0kaj3xoa
Luque and Muhammad first met in 2016, and this meeting only lasted a little over a minute. The 30-year-old wasted no time in securing this first-round knockout. Muhammad is on quite a tear himself and has evolved substantionally since their first meeting. Although both athletes are much different now, 'Remember The Name' may have grown a bit more as he was able to decisively defeat the 30-year-old in their rematch. Regardless of falling short of victory, Luque is still a force to be reckoned with at welterweight. Here are 5 of the best Vicente Luque performances.
#5. Vicente Luque vs. Michael Chiesa
Michael Chiesa really found his place after he nixed the grueling weightcut and made the move up to welterweight. 'Maverick' turned his two-fight losing streak into a four-fight winning streak. The Brazilian was already sitting at the top of the division, and if Chiesa wanted to make his case for a title shot, he'd have to get through 'The Silent Assassin'.
Chiesa used lateral movement to keep away from a brawling-style fight which usually plays in the Brazilian's favor. After landing a crisp one-two combination, 'Maverick' saw the opening for a takedown and went with it. It was successful and Chiesa had his opponent's back shortly after.
'The Silent Assassin' proved to be calm and aware, even with the danger of Chiesa on his back being present. Not only did the 30-year-old escape from Chiesa's control, but he attacked a choke of his own. Although his opponent tried and tried to defend the Brazilian's patented D'Arce choke, he seemed to have this submission perfected and forced the tap, handing Chiesa his first loss at welterweight. This performance was especially impressive when taking into consideration the momentum that 'Maverick' had coming into this bout.