Two top-ranked action-forward welterweights are set to meet up inside the Octagon late this summer.
Vicente Luque may be fresh off a disappointing defeat to Belal Muhammad back in April, but it doesn’t look like the defeat is going to slow him down any. ESPN reports that the longtime Sanford MMA fighter will be returning to action early this August for a bout against fellow top-ranked welterweight Geoff Neal.
Luque (21-8-1) battled his way into top contender status over the last two years with a four-fight unbeaten run, including stoppage victories over Michael Chiesa and former champion Tyron Woodley. Unfortunately for his hopes of UFC gold, that path ran him headlong into Muhammad’s wrestling game and a unanimous decision loss.
For Neal (14-4) this fight represents another chance to make a big jump up the rankings after suffering back to back losses against Neil Magny and Stephen Thompson in 2020-2021. Neal last fought back in December of last year, picking up the split decision win over Santiago Ponzinibbio to solidify his #12 spot in the UFC’s official welterweight rankings.
Neal and Luque are expected to face off on August 6th as part of a UFC Fight Night event. No location has been announced as of yet. A top ranked light heavyweight bout between Thiago Santos and Jamahal Hill is currently set to headline the card.