UFC Vegas 78 is almost upon us! In what has shaped up to be an underrated fight night card, we have quite a few bangers in store for fans. However, the main highlight of the show will likely be Vicente Luque vs Rafael Dos Anjos.
The UFC makes its return to the Apex after a lackluster outing in Nashville last weekend. Thus, UFC Vegas 78 will look to right the wrongs of the past and serve as a respectable lead-up to UFC 292 next weekend. As for this one, we have some renowned fighters making their return and some hot matchups sprinkled across the card.
Coming to our focus for this one, we have Vicente Luque taking on Rafael Dos Anjos in the main event. Previously, we saw Luque get bested by Geoff Neal and Belal Muhammad in consecutive fights. However, seeing his extensive resume and experience, Luque is still a dangerous name in the welterweight division.
Facing him, we have Rafael Dos Anjos, who is now on his umpteenth welterweight run. Beating Bryan Barberena in an impressive performance late last year, it will be interesting to see how RDA fares in this one. Having taken on some of the best and biggest in the division, Dos Anjos has a very impressive resume.
UFC Vegas 78: Luque vs Dos Anjos stats
Stats | Vicente Luque | Rafael Dos Anjos |
---|---|---|
Wins | 21 | 32 |
Losses | 9 | 14 |
Height | 5 ft 9 in | 5 ft 6 in |
Division | Welterweight | Welterweight |
Reach | 75.5 in | 70 in |
Age | 31 | 38 |
Luque vs. Dos Anjos: Fight breakdown and prediction
Coming into this one, it is one of those rare 50-50 type matchups. Both fighters have shown their incredible durability and toughness time and time again. Additionally, both Brazilians have their own ways of getting the advantage in the fight. Similarly, both RDA and Luque are technically sound, racking up 11 and 8 submissions respectively.
Since we are doing comparisons, it has to be said that Luque has much higher significant strikes landed per min (5.49) whereas RDA has a higher takedown average (2.05). With that said, Luque also absorbs a much higher volume of shots as compared to Dos Anjos per fight. Seeing that Luque has ended 19 of 21 wins by finishes, there is a big chance that this one likely won’t require the judges either. However, at the same time, Luque needs to be smart about taking a seasoned veteran in RDA.
For the most part, Dos Anjos will likely favor a wrestling-heavy approach for this one. With Luque being one of the more heavy-handed fighters in the division, Dos Anjos would do well to keep away from an all-out firefight. Despite Luque receiving the worst beating of his career at the hands of Geoff Neal, engaging with the Brazilian is not always worth the risk.
With that said, there is no telling as to which fighter will do better if it goes to a grappling contest. Thus, it is very likely that either Luque lands some big shots or, Dos Anjos uses his wrestling to out-point ‘The Silent Assassin’. All things considered, it is clear why this is such a neck-and-neck contest. Either way, fans are in for a feast with this five-rounder.