Veteran UFC welterweight Vicente Luque finds Islam Makhachev`s potential move to the 170-pound division “very cool” and anticipates the Russian fighter`s success there.
However, his physical size might present a challenge.
Standing 5-foot-10 with a 70.5-inch reach, Makhachev dominated the lightweight division with a 15-fight winning streak, including victories over Alexander Volkanovski, Dustin Poirier, and Renato Moicano, before aiming for a second title by moving up. He would face a height and reach deficit against current welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena and every fighter presently in the top 15 rankings.
“I`ve trained with him on several occasions, and I can confirm he`s exceptionally skilled on the ground, applying immense pressure and technique,” Luque commented. “He doesn`t lack strength for the weight class. I`m unsure if he`s focused on gaining more weight and potentially power since our training, as he consistently competed at 155 lbs. Nevertheless, he possesses significant pressure and static strength.”
At lightweight, Makhachev`s wrestling and submission expertise allowed him to dominate opponents, even submitting numerous jiu-jitsu black belts throughout his career. However, replicating this success 15 pounds heavier might prove tougher, particularly if his welterweight debut is against the new champion Della Maddalena, who boasts five finishes during his perfect 8-0 UFC record.
“His ground game is incredibly polished, isn`t it?” Luque remarked about Makhachev. “Regarding height, he isn`t particularly tall, but if his exceptional wrestling and ground control compensate, I anticipate he won`t struggle in the division. Naturally, it`s a different dynamic; we are stronger. Maintaining that in later rounds (three or five) could be more challenging, as power plays a much bigger role. It definitely makes a difference. We unquestionably strike harder than the 155-pound fighters. If he struggles to bridge the distance, that could be problematic. We`ll see how the fight unfolds. He`s exceptionally resilient, so dismissing his chances entirely would be incorrect. He possesses a significant opportunity to enter and claim the championship, but it will demand considerable effort.”
Does this imply Luque believes Makhachev will overpower Della Maddalena on the ground with his superior grappling to secure a second UFC title? Not necessarily.
“I believe numerous elements contribute to a fight`s outcome,” Luque stated. “Many focus solely on grappling. In a submission competition, I`d confidently predict his dominance – he`s THAT skilled on the ground. But MMA involves more complexity. Grappling larger opponents requires greater strength and is more draining. There are various aspects we need to observe regarding his adaptation. I assume he`s already training with heavier partners. We`ll just have to wait and see how it plays out in the actual fight.”
As the UFC has not yet set a date for Makhachev`s potential title challenge, Luque is currently preparing for his own upcoming bout. He is scheduled to face Kevin Holland at UFC 316 in Newark. Following his quick victory over Themba Gorimbo in December, the Brazilian is aiming to maintain his momentum.
“I anticipate it will be an excellent fight,” Luque commented. “Stylistically, it`s a favorable pairing for me. I prefer facing aggressive opponents who come forward. Their eagerness allows me to counter and exploit their aggression, both standing and on the mat. Predicting precisely is difficult because he`s highly unpredictable; I don`t know if he`ll look to strike or attempt takedowns. However, I`m prepared in all aspects and my skills are sharp. I feel confident and ready for whatever he brings.”
Both Luque and Holland are known for their activity in the welterweight division. Luque is set for his 23rd UFC appearance over a decade, while Holland will be making his 26th since his 2018 debut. Holland`s frequent fighting pace contrasts with Luque, who notes a benefit in having reduced his fight frequency recently.
“While being active keeps you sharp, it hinders the development of new techniques. I became more predictable,” Luque explained. “I`m analyzing his past bouts and preparing for his tendencies, but I`m also ready for any surprises. However, based on his recent performances, he might be somewhat predictable. I`m uncertain of his primary goal. My own focus is squarely on ascending to the top of the division. This is why I`m not so worried about taking all the fights I can. I believe this strategic approach also shifts one`s focus during the fight itself. My aim is to step in there and secure a dominant victory over Holland.”
“That period of high activity I had, fighting multiple times in 2018 and 2019, was beneficial and helped me climb the ranks back then, but I feel the current situation is different,” he added. “I`ve reached the top 5 and demonstrated my capabilities. Many fighters I`ve faced, such as Belal Muhammad and Joaquin Buckley, are now rising contenders. My fights have never been easy; I`ve consistently aimed to perform optimally and compete fiercely. Thus, I`ve realized it`s now crucial to select the most strategic fights. This doesn`t rule out competing perhaps twice more this year, provided they are suitable matchups against relevant opponents and I am fit. However, simply fighting for the sake of staying active without a clear objective is not appropriate at this stage.
“My objective is to return to the division`s summit this year, to ascend to the top, which demands a smart approach. I believe I`ve already demonstrated that I possess the necessary skills to compete at the highest level. I no longer need to fight everyone to test myself. Instead, I must pursue the bouts that will propel me upwards towards my goal.”
