In the co-main event of UFC Atlantic City, a spot in the welterweight rankings was on the line. 11th ranked Vicente Luque (22-9-1) was looking to defend his spot in the rankings as he took on rising contender Joaquin Buckley (17-6).
Vicente Luque had a victorious return to the octagon in August when he defeated Rafael Dos Anjos in a main event. That win came on the heels of Luque being out nearly a year after suffering a head injury in his loss to Geoff Neal. He’s back healthy and was looking for his second straight win tonight.
After a decent run at 185, Joaquin Buckley dropped down to welterweight and has seen instant success. Buckley makes the weight with ease and was a perfect 2-0 entering tonight’s fight. He was looking to steal the show at UFC Atlantic City and catapult himself into the rankings at welterweight.
UFC Atlantic City Recap
Round 1
The UFC Atlantic City co-main event kicked off with both men running at each other. Both opened with big kicks that were blocked. Big leg kick from Buckley starts his striking. Low kick now from Luque. High kick from Buckley blocked by Luque. Both men trading kicks in the center.
Nice left straight sneaks through for Buckley. Big combination from Buckley and he looks fast tonight. Body kick from Luque and a big counter combination from Buckley. Buckley comes in and Luque lands a couple of nice counters.
However, Buckley’s speed is playing a big factor early. Nice body kick from Luque but Buckley counters big up top. Low kick now from Buckley. Buckley comes in and just misses a big shot. Luque with a nice calf kick. Counter left now from Luque.
High kick from Buckley blocked and Luque lands a low kick. Buckley lands a low kick of his own. Nice body kick from Luque lands. Takedown attempt from Luque and a big fence grab from Buckley stops it. The first round ends and it’s likely Buckley’s round at UFC Atlantic City.
Round 2
Entering the second and that round could’ve gone to either fighter. Buckley right back on the pressure to start the second. Head kick and a left from Luque. Combination from Buckley and a counter from Luque. Flying knee now from Buckley and these two are really opening up.
Low kick from Luque lands. Combination from Buckley and a counter left from Luque. Big shots from Buckley. Luque staying composed in there 90 seconds into the second. Low kick from Luque and Buckley misses with a combination.
Big left straight lands for Buckley and now another. Buckley is really throwing with a ton of heat. Combination from Buckley and Luque goes for a takedown but ultimately pulls guard. Huge shots from Buckley now with two minutes to work.
Luque is in all kinds of trouble. The referee steps in and Joaquin Buckley gets the huge TKO win at UFC Atlantic City.
Joaquin Buckley def. Vicente Luque by TKO – Round 2