UFC 296 Clash: Luque Vs. Garry!

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Welterweight talents Vicente Luque and Ian Garry will throw down this weekend (Sat., Dec. 16, 2023) at UFC 296 inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Luque is at an interesting point in his career. His first career knockout loss at the hands of Geoff Neal was a vicious loss with serious health consequences (watch highlights), and many wondered if Luque would ever return to his prior form. He’s one win removed from that bout, but it really still remains to be seen if Luque’s best days are behind him.

Garry, conversely, is the loudmouth new contender at 170 pounds. He’s controversial and flashy, but “The Future” has also proven himself on several occasions to be a serious talent. Adding an interesting element to this fight is that the two have a history in the training room (details here), which could prove fruitful for one man or the other.

Let’s take a closer look at the keys to victory for each man:

Vicente Luque

Record: 22-9-1
Key Wins: Belal Muhammed (UFC 205), Michael Chiesa (UFC 265), Rafael dos Anjos (UFC Vegas 78), Mike Perry (UFC Fight Night 156), Bryan Barberena (UFC on ESPN 1), Niko Price (UFC 249, UFC Fight Night 119), Randy Brown (UFC Vegas 5)
Key Losses: Geoff Neal (UFC Orlando), Belal Muhammad (UFC Vegas 51), Stephen Thompson (UFC 244), Leon Edwards (UFC Fight Night 107)
Keys to Victory: Luque is a violent finisher, even if he looked more measured in his last appearance. The Brazilian has bricks in his fist and his chin, and he’s also a savvy submission artist happy to jump on the neck.

Luque has to pressure here. At distance, Garry will have a speed advantage to go alongside his height and reach edges. That’s a problem! The solution is forcing Garry to his back foot and punishing him with body shots and low kicks when possible. Historically, one of the best aspects of Luque’s standup is his ability to slip straight punches and simultaneously land big with an overhand or left hook. Garry is definitely a straight shooter, so that aspect of his game will certainly be put to the test as well.

It definitely makes sense for Luque to continue on from his “RDA” performance by hunting for takedowns along the fence. Garry has yet to really be tested by a grinding wrestler, and Luque can give him that look alongside his power punching threat.

The more rough-and-tumble the fight, the better.

Ian Garry

Record: 13-0
Key Wins: Neil Magny (UFC 292), Daniel Rodriguez (UFC Charlotte), Song Kenan (UFC 285), Jordan Williams (UFC 268)
Key Losses: None
Keys to Victory: Ignore all the extra curricular nonsense — Garry is a talent! At 26 years of age, Garry has already climbed into the Top 10 and won six straight UFC fights. More importantly, the striking specialist has shown considerable and consistent improvement.

The goal of Garry is to make Luque look old here. He’s quicker and longer, and if he’s able to establish his range early, he’ll have the ability to remain a step ahead of “The Silent Assassin.” The more he lands, the greater that speed gap builds.

Overall, Luque isn’t the best at fighting Southpaws. That stance dynamic messes up the timing of his cross counter, and it takes away the calf kick too. Garry can take advantage by staying mobile and really smothering the lead hand, which will force Luque to start reaching with his right. That’s when Garry’s open side counter opens up, and that devastating shot could well end the fight.

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Bottom Line

This fight carries significant consequences for each man.

Luque is still just 32 years of age. He should be in his prime. If there’s going to be a Luque title run, it happens within the next couple years. Yet, he doesn’t have much momentum because of the consecutive losses in 2022, and a slower decision over Rafael dos Anjos didn’t do much to change public perception. Knocking off Garry, however, would certainly help his position!

As for Garry, there’s nothing UFC loves more than an undefeated young contender rising up the ranks. The fun accent and out-of-the-cage antics are just a bonus. If Garry picks up the best win of his career here and keeps the ball rolling, don’t be shocked if he leapfrogs a less marketable contender and finds himself in a title eliminator sooner than later.

At UFC 296, Vicente Luque and Ian Garry will open the main card. Which man earns the victory?

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Remember that MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 296 fight card right here, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. ET (simulcast on ESPN2 at 8 p.m. ET), before the pay-per-view (PPV) main card start time at 10 p.m. ET (also on ESPN+).

To check out the latest and greatest UFC 296: “Edwards vs. Covington” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.