This past Saturday in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 59, we saw a pivotal matchup in the welterweight division. Vicente Luque (21-9-1) was looking to get back on track as he took on top contender Geoff Neal (15-4).
Entering 2022, Vicente Luque looked like a guy who was going to get a UFC title shot. Luque had won four fights in a row and all of them came via stoppage. His first assignment of the new year was taking on Belal Muhammad who he had knocked out before.
However, this time, Muhammad’s wrestling attack was too much. Luque would lose a decision and then he was booked to face Geoff Neal at UFC Vegas 59. Neal is known for his striking so one would figure this is the type of matchup that Luque would shine in.
However, Luque was a step behind on Saturday night. In the first round, he was hurt multiple times by left straights from Geoff Neal. In the second round, Luque battled back. However, in the third, Neal would finish the job and get the stoppage victory.
What’s next after UFC Vegas 59?
As mentioned, Luque looked like he was poised for a title shot this year. Now, he’s lost two in a row and his UFC future doesn’t look quite as bright. Nevertheless, he’s still a top contender and he will likely get a quality opponent in his next fight.
With that in mind, who should the UFC look to book him against. Well, I think they should book him against someone in the back half of the rankings. Guys like Neil Magny and Li Jingliang jump out to me.
The Leech is coming off a big knockout win while Magny is coming off a submission loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov. If I was match making, I think Magny is the next logical opponent for Vicente Luque after his loss at UFC Vegas 59.