Tag: Vicente Luque

UFC welterweight contender Vicente Luque has recalled training with upcoming opponent Belal Muhammad in Las Vegas last September.

Having taken the Octagon to London, Columbus, and Jacksonville across the past three weeks, MMA’s premier promotion is set to return to Nevada’s Apex facility tonight for UFC Vegas 51.

In the main event, fans will be treated to a rematch between two elite 170lbers vying for a place in the title conversation. Headliners Luque and Muhammad first collided at UFC 205 in 2016. On that occasion, the Brazilian made quick work of the Chicago native, ending the fight via first-round knockout.

With both men building impressive form and rising the ranks in the years since, it’s time to run it back.

While their collision six years ago provided a taste of each other’s skillsets, as it turns out, the pair had a recent refresher.

Luque Reveals “Technical” Training With Muhammad

Looking ahead to his first main event on MMA’s biggest stage during an interview with The AllStar’s John Hyon Ko, Luque revealed the training session he took part in with Muhammad in 2021.

While in Las Vegas for September’s UFC 266 pay-per-view, the #5 and #6-ranked contenders, who are both managed by Dominance MMA CEO Ali Abdelaziz, did some technical grappling and sparring at the UFC Performance Institute.

“(Muhammad) has trained at Sanford, but I wasn’t there when that happened. But I trained with him last year in Vegas. We were there for—I don’t remember which UFC it was. It was the one where Nick Diaz fought Robbie Lawler,” Luque recalled.

“So we were there, and we’re both managed by Ali, so we were all together, we went to dinner and everything, then next morning, they told me, ‘There’s gonna be training, we’re gonna train at the PI, if you wanna go there?’ So I went there, we worked out a little bit,” added Luque. “But nothing crazy. It was some grappling and then some MMA sparring, but (with) really small gloves and mostly technical.”

It’s safe to say that not much spurs pre-fight discussion quite like history between two competitors in the gym. While that is often the case, as shown by Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane’s limited time sparring in Paris prior to their UFC 270 clash, the personalities of Luque and Muhammad certainly don’t lend themselves to that narrative.

Reflecting on his training with “Remember The Name,” Luque said he has no issue sparring or sharing the gym with his fellow welterweights, even when he expects to fight them down the line. “The Silent Assassin” also pointed out that training with future rivals isn’t focused on as much as it is in MMA in any other sport.

“I had a great time, he’s a really nice guy, just like me. We don’t mind training with each other. We know that eventually we could fight again, and that’s just how it is,” said Luque. “I don’t mind training with guys and eventually fighting them. I think it’s natural. In other sports, it’s supernatural. People play tennis and they’ll train with each other and then play against each other. For me, it’s not a big deal.”

While both Luque and Muhammad have played down the impact their first fight could have on their rematch, that, along with their 2021 training session, means they’ve certainly had a unique look at each other’s arsenals ahead of their main event collision.

Who do you think will have their hand raised in tonight’s main event, Vicente Luque or Belal Muhammad?

Continue Reading Luque Details 2021 Training With Upcoming Opponent Muhammad at MMA News.

This weekend the UFC returns to the Apex Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, bringing with it an electric welterweight rematch between two top contenders.

When Belal Muhammad and Vicente Luque first clashed, back in 2016, ‘The Silent Assasin’ made short work of his opponent. Luque knocked Muhammad out cold in round one of their first UFC octagon meeting. However, ‘Remember The Name’ now has the chance to live up to his moniker and take his revenge on the hard-hitting Brazilian.

Will history repeat itself in another Luque KO victory? Or will Muhammad manage to turn the tables and show just how much he has developed since their first fight? Let’s see what the LowKickMMA staff have to say:

Vicente Luque vs. Belal Muhammad 2

Frank Bonada

As much as Muhammad has impressed over the past few years, I simply find it incredibly hard to bet against Vicente Luque. ‘The Silent Assasain’ is such a dangerous individual inside the octagon, perfectly showcased in the first fight with Muhammad. However, upon diving deeper into this matchup, it is considerably more intriguing than it initially appeared. Muhammad’s wrestling game was on full display against ‘Wonderboy’ in his most recent UFC appearance, and this could well be another avenue for him to exploit against Luque. A counter-argument could be made that Luque’s dangerous submission game could work as a deterrent, but Muhammad has never been submitted in his entire career. Ultimately I will go with a Luque KO/TKO victory later in the fight, but Muhammad is certainly a live dog in this one.

Ross Markey

Both Vicente Luque and Belal Muhammad have come on leaps and bounds since their November 2016 clash it must be said. The pair have since accumulated so much more Octagon experience — against a range of high-level, championship-caliber opponents to boot. Luque, in particular, has a knack for finishes throughout his tenure with the organization – displaying his grappling ability in his two most recent wins. That new edge to his game – paired with his grit and striking makes him good value for me to land a second career win over Muhammad at UFC Vegas 51.

Makoa Goble

This weekend fight fans are highly anticipating the interesting rematch between Vicente Luque and Belal Muhammad. The pair first fought in 2016, and both have steadily climbed the rankings and made significant improvements to their game. Expect this one to be a war. With Luque fighting, things can end in an instant. However, on paper, everything points to this one going the distance and being a very tough contest. Although it’s hard to choose, you could say Luque will win via decision. Don’t be surprised if it ends up going the other way though, or if the fight ends via finish!

Patrick Post

I’m picking Vicente Luque. He’s got the clear advantage in the striking which Belal is going to have a hard time dealing with. If Belal looks to utilize his wrestling/takedowns it could leave him vulnerable to submission attempts from Luque. Chiesa left his neck open for a second and Luque snatched it up! Luque by submission.

Lewis Simpson

‘Im taking Vicente Luque to leave victorious again. I feel Luque is really one of the most underrated and appreciated in the division. A statement victory over a durable Muhammad could potentially be a coming-out party for the Brazilian. Muhammad’s last and only stoppage loss came to Luque, which would leave you with a pinch of self-doubt even as a mentally strong individual. Overall, I think the bout will be fought at a grueling pace, with Muhammad landing several takedowns and controlling the action. Luque has shown an excellent will to get back to his feet in the past, and I think that will be the difference-maker. Muhammad may struggle over 25-minutes to keep the fight on the mat, but once Luque has the freedom to pick his openings and dive into the toolbox, he will capitalize on the shot selection, like in the first bout. Luque by stoppage.

Raul Arent

I got Belal. I believe He learned his lesson last time. He won’t want to be in a striking match again with Luque. I think he looks to take this to the ground where he squeezes out a win on the Judge’s scorecards after 5 rounds.

What’s your prediction for this welterweight rematch?