Vicente Luque delivered a stunning performance at UFC 265 this last weekend. In dispatching Michael Chiesa via first-round submission, Luque cemented his place as one of the most exciting welterweights in the UFC.
He’s been explicit about his title hopes in the past, and post-fight he made it clear that he’s coming for Kamaru Usman’s title. Speaking at the UFC 265 post-fight press conference, he said:
Vicente Luque Eyeing Usman Next
“I don’t know if I do deserve [a title shot] over [Leon Edwards]. I just know that I’m one of the most, if not the most exciting welterweight right now.
I’m showing everybody what I can do. I finish every single fight. My fights are exciting. And for that reason, I think I do deserve a title fight.
I’m the only guy up there in the top five that hasn’t fought the champion, that hasn’t challenged Kamaru for a fight. He still has a fight ahead of him, but I believe he’ll win that fight. If he does, I think I would be a great challenge.”
Usman is scheduled to fight Colby Covington later this year in a rematch. Usman broke Covington’s jaw and won via fifth-round TKO in their last fight, and many expect his to repeat the feat this time around. However, the crux of Luque’s position is that he is the only serious challenger at welterweight who hasn’t fought (and lost) against Kamaru Usman before.
Usman himself has pointed out the lack of fresh opponents for him in the division, and with Usman ranked #2 pound-for-pound fighter in the world (and #1 among active fighters), he needs fresh competition to maintain his standing, or perhaps eventually eclipse Jon Jones at the top.
Luque is best known as a striker, but showed off prodigious grappling ability against Michael Chiesa. He said of his ground game:
“It feels great, especially getting a finish over a guy like Chiesa, a great grappler, a guy known for his grappling, known for his fighting style.
The top of the division is filled with good grapplers, and I’m showing them I’m ready for that as well. I’m also a good grappler. I’m ready to hang there. Plus, I’ve got my striking.”
Vicente Luque is riding a four-fight win streak, all of which he finished. With credentials like that, he might just be the next one to take on Kamaru Usman, and Leon Edwards will have to wait a little longer.
Do you want to see Luque fight for the title? Let us know in the comments.
Remember to stay up to date with the latest news on TheOvertimer. Don’t forget to visit Gamestingr for great videos, news, and gameplay!
