Brazilian representative in UFC 260, which takes place on the 27th, Vincent Luque He is close to the most important fight of his career to date. A welterweight athlete (up to 77kg), the Tupiniquim will share the octagon with Tyron woodley and he doesn't hide his excitement at testing himself against the former division champion. In an exclusive interview with the channel SUPER FIGHTS YouTube, the promise paid respect to the former group champion and analyzed the confrontation.
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Considered one of the Brazilian favorites in the division led by Kamaru Usman, Luque has gained more and more visibility in Ultimate due to his aggressive way of conducting his confrontations. This weekend, the athlete will have a test of fire, which will be important to define his future in the division.
Beware the former champion
Although he is fighting against an athlete who is not experiencing the best moment of his career, Vicente is realistic about his rival's qualities in the Octagon. Thus, the Brazilian team assessed the strengths and weaknesses of the North American, who needs to win to avoid becoming even more complicated in the organization.
“I think he has better wrestling than me. It's his origins, he's done this since he was a child, there's no comparison. That right (hand) of his, you have to pay attention, respect it. I don't think it has to be a concern about the fight, I have to improve my standing game, but be aware of the right, which, if it comes in, could cause problems for anyone,” said Luque.
Advantages over Woodley
Called the 'Silent Assassin' in MMA circles, Vicente has plenty of reasons to be confident in a great performance against one of the biggest names in the history of the category. The Brazilian, therefore, listed the advantages he can take as soon as the bell rings for the confrontation, which marks the co-main fight.
“When we talk about striking, in terms of technique, I think I have an advantage. On the ground, I also think I'm sharper. I think it will be a lot of who will be able to impose the strategy. My game will be to nullify him, both standing up and on the ground. (…) I will show my game, striking and, if the fight goes to the ground, look for the submission, the ground and pound (when the athlete strikes the rival on the ground), which I think are things that I am strong at, I don't show so much, but when I need it, I like to use it,” he said.
Optimal outcome
Famous for not letting his fights be decided by the judges, Luque doesn't want to stray from his characteristic in the most important fight of his career. Against the former champion, the Brazilian states that he will seek to end the duel before the three rounds scheduled for this Saturday's show.
“I see a knockout or submission. Every time I go to fight, I see this. When I see an opening to finish, I take advantage. It may not end, but that's okay. (…) It’s my style. I don't let opportunities pass by. If the guy can withstand the attack, the fight will continue. If not, it will end there. So, I really believe that the fight will end before the three rounds. (…) I see a tough fight. Woodley was the champion. It's coming off three defeats, but I'm not going to underestimate it in any way. (…) He will want to come to prove that he is still the Woodley who was the champion and I'm going there to finish this guy”, said the Brazilian.
Next Steps
Current number 10 at welterweight, Luque understands that he has a golden opportunity to enter the Ultimate radar for a future title fight. For this, a great presentation about Tyron is essential. Anticipating a positive result, the fighter analyzed the next steps in the category.
“I’m definitely going to aim for a top 5 finish. (…) A big win against Woodley would give me the right to ask for someone in the top 5”, he concluded.
Athletes' history
At 29 years old, Vicente will be making his 28th appearance as a professional in MMA. Coming from two positive results in a row, the Brazilian currently has 19 wins, seven defeats and one draw in the sport.
Welterweight champion between 2016 and 2019, Tyron has not won a fight since his triumph over Stephen Thompson, more than two years ago. At 38 years old, the North American wants to prove that he is still capable of performing at a high level and reach his 20th victory in MMA. Today, the fighter has 19 positive results, six negative results and one draw.
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