Welterweight Vicente Luque is ready to show his best version against Michael Chiesa at UFC 265.
Exciting welterweight finisher Vicente Luque is ready to showcase his best skills at UFC 265. Paired up against grappler Michael Chiesa, the ‘Silent Assassin’ hopes to put on a memorable performance next Saturday.
In an interview with Ag Fight, a confident Luque talked about how well he feels ahead of the fight. Although Vicente believes he still has room for improvement in his arsenal, the Brazilian also trusts that he is approaching the prime of his career and wishes to prove that against ‘Maverick’.
“I still have improving to do. Each fight, no matter if I win or lose, I see several things I can improve. I felt like I’ve evolved during this camp and I’ll show it. I’m turning 30. I’m young and I’m already able to fight at a high level. I still see room for improvement both physically and in my technique. I’m stronger and more durable than I was in the past. Now I’m in my prime. I know I could be better, but this is the best I’ve ever been. Saturday night will be best I’ve ever felt in a fight.”
A brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, with seven submission wins under his belt, Luque knows Chiesa will be a challenge on the ground. Although Vicente holds 11 knockout wins over Michael’s zero, the Brazilian still believes he could be successful on the mat against Maverick, should the fight end up going there.
“I think I can make things tricky for Chiesa on the ground. depending on how he falls. If he underestimates me, I can surprise him. I don’t think he will, though. He must have watched my Woodley fight and know I have the tools. It’s going to be a clash of styles. I’ll be looking to strike the whole time, that’s where I have an advantage over him. He’s going to look for a takedown and to take my back. I’ll pressure him. Be it a knockout or a submission, I’ll finish this fight. I’m ready for the best version of Chiesa. I think he’s going to be really prepared and will respect me. That only makes the fight even harder.”
Currently on a three-fight winning streak, Luque (20-7-1) has scored wins over Tyron Woodley, Randy Brown and Niko Price in his most recent outings, all of them being finishes. Before that, the 29-year-old did suffer a heavy unanimous decision loss to Stephen Thompson, back in November 2019.
Now, Luque is expected to take on Chiesa at UFC 265, on August 7. The card is set to take place in Houston, Texas, and to be headlined by an interim heavyweight title fight between top contenders Ciryl Gane and Derrick Lewis.