Seasoned UFC welterweight Vicente Luque expressed excitement about Islam Makhachev`s potential move to the 170-pound division and anticipates success for the Russian fighter.
However, Luque noted that size could present a challenge.
Makhachev, a 5-foot-10 lightweight with a 70.5-inch reach, dominated the lightweight ranks with a 15-fight winning streak, including victories over prominent opponents like Alexander Volkanovski, Dustin Poirier, and Renato Moicano, before considering a move up to pursue a second title. Compared to the current welterweight champion, Jack Della Maddalena, and all fighters in the top 15, Makhachev would likely face a disadvantage in both height and reach.
Luque, who has trained with Makhachev, confirmed his exceptional ground skills, highlighting his “ton of pressure and technique.” He stated that Makhachev isn`t physically “weak” for the division, although he`s unsure if Makhachev has focused on gaining additional weight and power since they trained together when Makhachev was competing at 155 pounds. Luque emphasized Makhachev`s significant pressure and isometric strength.
While Makhachev`s wrestling and submission game was highly effective at lightweight, allowing him to submit numerous jiu-jitsu black belts, replicating that dominance against heavier opponents in a division 15 pounds heavier could prove more difficult. This is particularly relevant as he is expected to potentially make his welterweight debut against the champion, Della Maddalena, who boasts a strong finishing record (five finishes in his 8-0 UFC run).
Luque praised Makhachev`s “very refined” ground game. He suggested that even with a height disadvantage, Makhachev`s elite wrestling might compensate. However, Luque stressed the fundamental difference in strength and power at welterweight. He noted that fights progressing into later rounds (three or five) could be tougher, and welterweights “undoubtedly hit harder” than lightweights. Difficulty in closing distance could also be an obstacle. Despite these potential challenges, Luque considers Makhachev “super tough” and believes he “has a good chance” of entering the division and becoming champion, although it will require significant effort.
Does this imply Luque expects Makhachev to easily overpower Della Maddalena on the ground to claim a second UFC belt? Not necessarily.
Luque explained that MMA involves “many factors,” extending beyond just grappling. While Makhachev would likely excel in a submission tournament, MMA is “more complex.” Grappling against heavier individuals demands greater strength and is more exhausting. He highlighted several factors that will determine how Makhachev adapts. Luque assumes Makhachev is already training with bigger partners to prepare, but the ultimate test will be seen in the actual fight.
The UFC has not yet announced a date for Makhachev`s potential title shot. Meanwhile, Luque is preparing for his own next bout against Kevin Holland (mentioning his upcoming fight after a recent win). Luque aims to maintain his momentum against the consistently active “Trailblazer.”
Luque anticipates a “great fight” with Holland, viewing it as a favorable style match-up. He enjoys facing aggressive opponents whose attacks he can counter, both striking and on the ground. While Holland`s unpredictability makes it hard to know if he`ll stand and trade or wrestle, Luque feels fully prepared in all aspects, with his skills sharp. He expressed confidence and readiness for anything.
Both Luque and Holland are recognized for their frequent activity in the welterweight division. Luque noted Holland`s high volume of fights, while Luque himself has adopted a less frequent schedule recently, finding benefits in this approach.
Luque explained that constant activity keeps a fighter sharp but can hinder the development of new techniques, potentially making a fighter more predictable. He is studying Holland`s recent fights, expecting a potentially predictable style, but remains ready for surprises. Luque`s primary goal is a strategic ascent to the top of the division, which influences his approach to fight selection rather than simply staying busy. He believes this focus also sharpens his approach in the fight itself, aiming for a dominant win against Holland.
Reflecting on his past periods of high activity (like 2018-2019), Luque acknowledged that it helped his ranking at the time but feels the current phase is different. Having reached the top 5 and demonstrated his potential against fighters who are now rising contenders, he believes it`s now essential to choose “the right fights.” While open to fighting perhaps two more times this year if the match-ups make sense and he feels good, fighting solely for the sake of activity without a specific goal is no longer his priority.
Luque reiterated his objective to climb back to the top of the division this year, emphasizing the need for strategic decision-making. He feels he has already proven his capabilities as a top fighter and no longer needs to fight every opponent to test himself, focusing instead on fights that directly advance his position.
