Few people have more insight than the UFC
288 co-main event than Vicente
Luque.
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Not only is Luque a close friend and longtime sparring partner of
Gilbert
Burns – they’ve trained together since 2014 — but he’s fought
Belal
Muhammad on two occasions, winning via first-round knockout at
UFC 205 before dropping a five-round verdict to “Remember the Name”
in their rematch at UFC on ESPN 34. Luque expects a competitive
fight between the two on Saturday but sees Burns as the
favorite.
“I fought five rounds with Belal one year ago,” Luque said. “He has
definitely evolved from our first fight. Besides throwing fast
combinations, he moves well and has a good kick with his left leg,
but he fights more to score points. I see a clear advantage for
‘Durinho’ in the grappling aspect. He has much more pressure,
mainly on the ground, in addition to amazing cardio. On the
striking aspect, I see it being more equal. ‘Durinho’ evolved a lot
and has more knockout power.
“I truly don’t see that fight going to the fifth round. My bet is
‘Durinho’ via submission in the third.”
Currently 10th in the UFC welterweight rankings, Luque confirmed
the recently reported matchup with Rafael dos
Anjos for July 15. “The Silent Assassin” will look to end a
two-fight skid after falling to Muhammad and Geoff Neal in
back-to-back outings.
“Rafael is one of the most renowned fighters out there,” Luque
said. “This guy was the champion of lightweight, a contender at
welterweight. He truly fought the best in two weight divisions. To
write your name among the best you have to face the best. Rafael is
in a great place after [moving his camp to] Nova União.
“I just fought five rounds once, against Belal, and I liked that
experience. I´m sure a five-round fight with RDA will be a gift to
the fans.”