Vicente Luque showcased impressive versatility in his performance and overcame a series of challenges to claim a unanimous decision victory over Rafael dos Anjos at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas. Luque, known for his finishing ability, adapted his game to counter Dos Anjos’ strategies and prove he is a well-rounded fighter.
Both fighters had compelling motivations in this matchup. Luque returned to the octagon after a year-long hiatus due to a brain bleed suffered in his previous knockout loss to Geoff Neal. Dos Anjos, a former lightweight champion, aimed to solidify his welterweight title aspirations by defeating a rising star.
In his UFC career, Luque has finished 13 of his 14 opponents, making him one of the most lethal finishers in UFC history. Yet, stopping a seasoned and resilient veteran like Dos Anjos is no easy feat. Dos Anjos’ gameplan involved utilizing his striking to close the distance and take down Luque, who is known for his powerful striking. However, Luque displayed improvements in his takedown defense and surprised his opponent with his own takedowns. Despite Dos Anjos’ late surge in Round 5, Luque’s dominant performance proved to be too much.
In his post-fight interview, Luque expressed gratitude for his return to the octagon and the opportunity to overcome his fears. “It’s a miracle I’m here. I’ve never feared anything but I feared never coming back in here,” Luque revealed. He also highlighted his resilience in bouncing back from consecutive losses, which is a testament to his determination and character. On the other hand, Dos Anjos, at the age of 38 and with almost 50 professional fights under his belt, faced another setback in his pursuit of the championship.
Looking ahead, Luque called for a matchup against a top-five ranked opponent as he aims to challenge UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards.
