After Rafael Fiziev's departure, UFC Rio suffers another loss and the Brazilian faces a new opponent

Vincent Luque in action in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/ Facebook @ufc

If UFC Rio suffered a hard blow with the departure of Rafael Fiziev of the main fight against Charles of the Bronx, another Brazilian also went through a similar situation this Monday (22). Vincent Luque, who would step into the octagon to measure strength with Santiago Ponzinibbio in a duel valid for the welterweight category (up to 77,1 kg), he will now have to settle for a new opponent after the Argentine Gente Boa was injured and left the event on October 11th.

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Luque's new opponent will be Joel alvarez, a lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) who will make his debut at 77 kg. The information was first reported by reporter Álvaro Colmenero, a commentator for EuroSport. At 32 years old, the Spaniard is on a three-fight winning streak in the world's largest MMA organization. In his last appearance, he knocked out Drakkar Klose with a flying knee in the first round in December 2024.

ABC EXCLUSIVE: Joel Alvarez vs. Vincent Luque in negotiations for UFC Río on October 11th.

Santiago Ponzinibbio sell the fight due to injury and accept fighting El Fenómeno at short notice.

It will be the weight debut for Joel. pic.twitter.com/UC6PnAHPps

— Álvaro Colmenero (@KOlmeneroMMA) September 22, 2025

Despite being only 33 years old, the Silent Assassin is not in his best form as a professional athlete, with only two wins in his last five fights. He stepped into the octagon in UFC 316 and ended up finished by Kevin holland in the second round with a triangle choke. A veteran of the Ultimate Team, he has great victories against Belal Muhammad |, Rafael dos Anjos e Tyron woodley.

V. Luque is a Brazilian standout in the UFC welterweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram