Vicente Luque is punished by a Spaniard at UFC Rio and suffers a second consecutive defeat

Álvarez defeated Luque in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

Vincent Luque did not have a good night's work at UFC Rio. At the event held this Saturday (11), the Brazilian faced Joel Alvarez in a fight valid for welterweight (up to 77,1 kg) and could not resist the same game. Quite an underdog in the bookmakers, the veteran was punished and lost to the Spaniard via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26).

This was Luque's second consecutive loss and his third in his last four fights. Therefore, the Brazilian is now under pressure in the UFC. After years in the top 15 of the division, the veteran has fallen out of the elite and is now even further away from returning. Meanwhile, Álvarez dreams of joining the ranks of the division's best fighters. This was 'El Fenómeno's' fourth consecutive victory.

Luque got the worst of it standing up and on the ground

Early in the fight, Luque sought to attack with kicks and punches. Gradually, Álvarez loosened up. The Brazilian threatened his opponent with a cross. The Spaniard, meanwhile, landed sharp jabs. Aggressive, the athletes continued to strike each other. After an exchange of punches, Luque reacted poorly and informed the referee that he had received an illegal poke to the eye.

Upon seeing the replay of the incident, the referee stopped the fight and informed the veteran that the attack was legal. Back in action, the fight's pace intensified. Álvarez delivered a beautiful sequence and received a cross from his opponent. Luque then went on the attack, frightening the Spaniard with his power. In the final stretch, Álvarez became more aggressive, landing a flying knee, punches, and a powerful low kick.

In the second round, the fighters held their own. At one point, Luque sought to grapple but was unable to take the Spaniard down. While defending himself, Álvarez took the Brazilian's back and unleashed relentless punches and elbows. Despite being punished, Luque got up but was once again at his opponent's mercy. From above, the Spaniard continued attacking. Luque was finally saved by the bell.

During the break, Luque complained to his corner about an eye injury, but decided to continue the fight. In the third round, the Brazilian sought a takedown but fell underneath Álvarez. From the top, the Spaniard controlled his opponent and controlled the fight, winning by unanimous decision.