One of the protagonists of UFC Atlantic City, which takes place this Saturday (30), in the United States, Vincent Luque evaluated the balance of his career in Ultimate and spoke about his real chances of equaling the legendary Georges St.Pierre's mark. Exclusively to SUPER FIGHTS, the opponent of Joaquin buckley over the weekend, he outlined goals for his career, in addition to analyzing the risky fight against the 'Knockout Man'.
A UFC representative since 2015, Luque is close to reaching the 10-year mark with the company. From his debut to the current season, the Brazilian has collected impressive numbers that place him on the list of great record holders in the history of welterweights (up to 77,1kg.).
For legendary status
Today, Vicente is in fourth place with the highest number of victories (15), and could come close to former champion Georges St.Pierre, second with 19. The Tupiniquim is second in number of victories on the fast track (13), according to greatest knockout artist (8), third greatest finisher (5), with five. Furthermore, the fighter is the third with the most bonuses achieved in the division (8).
With numbers that express the quality of the fighter in the Octagon, the athlete opens up about his ambitions within the company.
“I've been reaching records for the career I've had, which is one of a lot of hard work and dedication. I was blessed to enter the UFC at 23 years old. I'm new, evolving. I see myself fighting for another eight, 10 years. The tendency is to be able to break these records. (…) I always want to knockout or submit, but I'm not trying. It happens. Records are the same thing. It is not the main objective. (…) The goal is to be the best fighter I can be. (…) That being the case, the records and the belt will be a consequence”, said Luque.
Unusual rival
Inserted in the co-main fight of UFC Atlantic City, Vicente had his opponent changed in the weeks leading up to the show. Initially, the Brazilian would measure strength with Sean brady, in a confrontation that could return its position in the top 10.
With the departure of the rival, Joaquin buckley took over the post. Faced with the new opponent, Luque analyzed the confrontation and explained why he would face a clash against an opponent outside the top 15 ranking.
“A few reasons. The first is that, at the end of the day, we are fighters. In my career, I never had much to choose an opponent. I believe this fight has the potential to boost me. (…) Second, Buckley, despite not being ranked, has many great moments. The fans are watching and the UFC ends up selling the fight. Third, 'ranked' guys don't want to face those who are unranked. It's a challenge. A risk. He's a dangerous guy. When I accept the challenge, I say: 'UFC, I'm ready. Now, having a dominant win, you guys are going to put me up against a big name,'” he declared.
Strategy against Joaquin Buckley
In this Saturday, Vincent Luque will share the octagon known for its knockout power. The Brazilian, who also has an aggressive style, reveals the strategy to leave the confrontation with a positive result.
“I am his big chance to enter the rankings. I'm sure his motivation is high. I already had that motivation. (…) Aggressiveness can be widely used for counterattacks. I'm a guy who fights aggressively too, but, with evolution, I can fight both ways. (…) His style is tiring. He is so explosive that he can end up tiring. I have the energy to fight five rounds, so after three rounds I know I can fight with a high intensity. (…) On the ground, I have many more advantages. (…) I see several ways to take advantage of his aggression against him”, he concluded.
Athletes' history
Professional in MMA since 2009, Luque has 32 commitments in the sport. At 32 years old, the Brazilian has 22 wins, nine defeats and one draw.
Famous worldwide for the overwhelming knockout over Impa Kasanganay, in 2020, Joaquin buckley He has been fighting since 2014. At 29 years old, the American has a record of 17 triumphs and six setbacks.
UFC Atlantic City technical sheet
Order date: March 30th, 2024
Open Hours: From 20pm (Brasília time)
Location: Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
How to watch: SUPER FIGHTS LIVE In real time, UFC Fight Pass (the entire card) online.
MAIN CARD (23 p.m. Brasília time)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Erin Blanchfield x Manon Fiorot
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Vincent Luque x Joaquin buckley
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Bruno Blindado x Chris Weidman
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Nursulton Ruziboev x Sedriques Dumas
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Bill Algeo x kyle nelson
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Chidi Njōkuani x rhys mckee
PRELIMINARY CARD (20 p.m. Brasília time)
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): nate landwehr x Jamall Emmers
Straw weight (up to 52,1 kg): Virna jandiroba x Lupita Godinez
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Julio Maple x Herbert Burns
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Connor Matthews x Dennis Buzukja
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Ibo Aslan x Anton Turkalj
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Melissa Gatto x Victoria Dudakova
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Andre Petroski x Jacob Malkoun
Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Angel Pacheco x Caolan Loughran
