UFC Fight Night: Vicente Luque vs. Belal Muhammad 2 Odds, Prediction
Currently sitting as the No. 5 welterweight contender, Vicente Luque defeated No. 6 Belal Muhammad by first round knockout at UFC 205 in Nov. 2016. Now the fighters are set for a rematch in Saturday’s Fight Night main event from Las Vegas, Nevada.
Luque is a -190 favourite to win on the MMA odds, while Muhammad is a +145 underdog.
Vicente Luque UFC Fight Night Odds
Luque (21-7-1 MMA record) debuted in the UFC in 2015, winning his first four fights by first or second round KO’s or submissions. Since the first fight against Muhammad, Luque is 10-2 and he’s coming into Saturday looking for a fifth straight win. All four fights on his win streak have been finishes and he’s won either Performance of the Night or Fight of the Night in the last three.
The 30-year-old has won 11 of his fights by knockout, eight by submission and just two by decision. The interesting component of Luque’s current win streak is that he’s finished each opponent quicker than the last. He defeated Niko Price by third round TKO (doctor stoppage) and Randy Brown by second round KO (knee and punches). Luque’s last two victories were first round submissions against Tyron Woodley in March 2021 and Michael Chiesa last August.
“The Silent Assassin” is a diverse fighter who has shown a striking ability capable of expertly mixing in shots to the body and head as well as to the legs. He has a 3.5-inch reach advantage and he averages 5.65 significant strikes landed per minute with 54 per cent accuracy. That compares to 4.55 strikes with 45 per cent accuracy for Muhammad.
On the ground is where Luque is most dangerous. He has a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and he has a very dangerous D’Arce Choke. which he won his last two fights via. Luque will likely start this fight standing up and carefully pick his shots, before moving it to the ground and looking for an opening to lock in a submission win.
Belal Muhammad UFC Fight Night Odds
Muhammad (20-3 MMA record) debuted in the UFC around the same time as Luque, but lost two of his first three fights. Since that second loss, which was against Luque, Muhammad is 10-1 with one no contest. He’s on a seven-fight unbeaten streak, with wins in his last two bouts.
The 33-year-old defeated Demian Maia last June and Stephen Thompson last December, both by unanimous decision. That was par for the course as Muhammad generally goes the distance in his fights. He has four wins by knockout, one by submission and 15 by decision. The wins against Maia and Thompson were two of the best performances of his career, with him methodically wearing down the former title contenders.
“Remember the Name” is a relentless pressure fighter who uses his high level pace as a weapon. He’s a strong wrestler and his striking has seen significant improvement. In his last two fights, Muhammad showcased his ability to land and defend takedowns. He successfully defended 20 of 21 takedowns attempts against Maia and he landed seven of nine takedowns against Thompson.
This is a chance for Muhammad to get some revenge and also put himself in line for a title shot. Muhammad’s most likely strategy will be to punish Luque with aggressive takedowns and wear his opponent out. He’s not a fighter who looks for the monster knockout shots, so expect Muhammad to pick his strikes carefully and try to outwork Luque. If this fight goes the distance, Muhammad will likely win.
UFC Fight Night Prediction: Luque vs. Muhammad 2
Luque and Muhammad met early in their UFC careers and they’ve both become more complete fighters over the last few years. Muhammad will become more dangerous the longer this fight goes on, so Luque will likely try to end things early. Luque wins by second round submission.