Vicente Luque made a triumphant return to the Octagon on Saturday, securing his first victory since suffering a brain hemorrhage in a devastating knockout loss in 2022. The welterweight fighter faced off against Rafael dos Anjos in the main event of UFC Fight Night held in Las Vegas. Combining strategic grappling, wrestling, and clinching against the cage, Luque outworked dos Anjos, who is a former UFC lightweight champion. The judges’ unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47) in Luque’s favor marked a milestone in his journey back to the top.
Luque’s postfight interview was filled with a mix of elation and determination. “I came back stronger than ever,” he proclaimed. “I beat a former champion in his game.” It was on August 6, 2022, that the Brazilian-Chilean fighter suffered a knockout defeat at the hands of Geoff Neal, resulting in a brain hemorrhage diagnosis. The road to recovery was grueling, with the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) demanding extensive medical documentation for Luque’s clearance to compete once again. But two weeks ago, he was granted the official license, and now, he stands as living proof of triumph over adversity. “For me, it’s a miracle to be here,” Luque expressed. “A lot of people know what happened to me a year ago. I never feared anything but feared not being able to do this again.”
A Battle in the Octagon
Entering the fight, dos Anjos held the No. 10 ranking in ESPN’s lightweight division, having recently returned to welterweight. Despite a fierce start from dos Anjos, including hard straight left hands and a powerful Superman elbow, Luque displayed his resilience, countering a takedown attempt and delivering punishing strikes on his grounded opponent. Throughout the match, Luque’s grappling and wrestling prowess shone, prompting dos Anjos’ corner to remove the fighter’s ankle sleeves, suspecting Luque of exploiting them for takedowns. In addition to his dominant positioning, Luque showcased his submission skills and left dos Anjos bloodied with his accurate punches.
“In the first round, I was afraid of getting hit,” admitted Luque. “It had been a year without fighting. I didn’t know how I would react.” Yet, the renowned fighter proved his mettle, landing eight takedowns, the second-most dos Anjos had ever allowed. This impressive feat placed Luque alongside the likes of former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, who had accomplished twelve takedowns against dos Anjos in 2018.
With this hard-earned victory, Luque broke a two-fight losing streak. The 31-year-old athlete, who trains out of Florida, now aims to reestablish himself as a contender in the welterweight division. Seeking to reclaim his spot in the title mix, Luque’s determination knows no bounds. Caesars Sportsbook had given him +500 odds of winning via decision, making his triumph all the more remarkable.
Meanwhile, dos Anjos (32-15) had previously secured a welterweight victory in his return to the division last December, defeating Bryan Barberena by second-round submission. The 38-year-old Brazilian-born fighter had won three out of his four most recent bouts. Notably, dos Anjos held the UFC lightweight title during the years 2015 and 2016, leaving a significant legacy in the sport.
A Tale of Redemption
Vicente Luque’s triumphant return to the MMA world brings hope and inspiration to fighters and fans alike. His relentless spirit and unwavering dedication conquered the most challenging of hurdles, driving him to embrace victory once again. As the Brazilian-Chilean fighter steps back into the spotlight, he leaves an indelible mark on the sport, showcasing the power of resilience in the face of adversity. The remarkable comeback of Vicente Luque will forever be etched in the annals of UFC history, serving as a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
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