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Vicente Luque is happy to take it slow and meet Randy Brown at UFC Portland.
After fighting four times in 2019, welterweight prospect Vicente Luque is ready to take a more cautious approach to his mixed martial arts career in 2020.
Paired up to take on Randy Brown at UFC Portland following a loss to Stephen Thompson in his last outing, Luque believes he will be able to focus more on himself and his growth as a fighter if he takes fewer bouts from now on.
In an interview with Ag Fight, Luque points how he spent too much time thinking what his opponents would do, instead of what he could bring to the table. After a period of self-evaluating, Vicente believes he is now ready to come back with a different mindset.
“I was taking too many fights and that got in the way at a certain point. I was try to evolve phisically and technically, but I had no time to look at myself, I would always consider my opponents and then adapt accordingly. Now I looked at myself. I know where I want to be and the level I want to reach. It’s been a very positive experience and now it’s time to get back.”
Very much like Luque himself, his next opponent Randy Brown is an exciting young finisher in the welterweight division, but he also represents a major step down in competition. For the Brazilian, however, to take on a less well-known opponent might be just what he needs at the moment.
“Of course that it’s interesting to face guys who are above me. I had a great fight against Thompson, but I didn’t get the win. It’s normal to face a guy below you after a loss and get back in the win column. It doesn’t matter that he’s unranked. He’s a great name, he brings a lot to the table. It will be a challenge for me to show my evolution. I had a good time to prepare and now you’ll see an improved version of me.”
In his last outing, back in November 2019, Luque (17-7) dropped a unanimous decision to Wonderboy. Before that, the 28-year-old was on an impressive six-fight winning streak, with victories over notable names such as Niko Price, Mike Perry and Bryan Barberena.
Now, Luque is expected to take on Brown at UFC Fight Night 172, in Portland, Oregon, on April 11. The card is scheduled to be headlined by a heavyweight bout between contenders Alistair Overeem and Walt Harris.