Joel Alvarez outshines Luque in an odd, one-sided battle

UFC welterweight Vicente Luque returns to action on home soil this Saturday at UFC Rio, where he will face Spaniard Joel Alvarez in a pivotal lightweight bout.

With both fighters known for their finishing ability and aggressive style, fans can expect a fast-paced battle that could have major implications for the division’s pecking order.

Lucas (23-11-1) enters the fight looking to bounce back from a submission loss to Kevin Holland at UFC 316 in June. The longtime UFC veteran has an impressive 16-7 record within the promotion, with notable wins over Rafael dos Anjos, Tyron Woodley, Michael Chiesa and Themba Gorimbo.

Alvarez (22-3) has had an impressive performance in the UFC, posting a 7-2 record inside the Octagon. Riding a three-fight win streak heading into UFC Rio, he will look to add a veteran name like Vicente Luque to his growing list of wins.

Round 1 – Alvarez opened the fight with a sharp, penetrating jab and tested Luque’s reactions early. Luque responded with front kicks to the body, attempting to slow the faster fighter. Alvarez’s speed was evident, but Luque’s power and timing began to show as the round progressed.

Alvarez continued to alternate his attacks, darting in and out with combinations, while Luque found success by countering with heavy shots. Midway through the round, an inadvertent thumb to the eye from Alvarez halted the action for a moment.

Replays confirmed the eye poke was part of a punch, but the referee still granted Luque a timeout and called in the doctor for an inspection before resuming the fight.

Once back in action, Alvarez came forward aggressively, landing clean shots that forced Luque to fire back. The Spaniard capped a strong opening round with a powerful right hand just in front of the horn.

Round 2 – Luque opened the second round with a right hand and a head kick – both blocked, but still more offensive than he had shown in the first. Alvarez quickly responded with a knee, a right hand and a spinning kick that kept Luque guessing.

Alvarez then landed a pounding body kick that forced Luque to shoot for a takedown. When the attempt failed, Luque pulled the guard away, allowing Alvarez to take top position and land heavy shots while threatening a D’Arce choke. As Luque rolled to his stomach, Alvarez locked the back and continued punching.

It was a dominant, if slightly awkward, round for Alvarez as the action played out in front of a surprisingly subdued crowd in Rio.

Round 3 – Luque opened the last round with pedaling, but at half speed. His right eye was red, swollen and almost closed. It was surprising that the referee did not stop the fight for a doctor’s inspection.

Despite Luque’s condition, Alvarez eased the pressure. Even after landing in top position following a desperate takedown attempt from Luque, the Spaniard didn’t unleash much offense.

Alvarez seemed hesitant to inflict further damage on his clearly compromised opponent. He attempted an inverted triangle, a difficult submission to complete, and moved to a half-hearted toehold before landing a few body shots as the clock expired.

A strange, understated performance, but ultimately a clear win for Joel Alvarez.