UFC fighter Vicente Luque would like nothing more than to challenge himself by fighting Nick Diaz. But with their bout changed once more, he is insteaded just concerned for the well-being of Diaz.
Luque was expected to welcome the former title contender back to the Octagon at UFC 310 next month. Instead, he will take on Themba Gorimbo on December 7 from Las Vegas.
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The Luque-Diaz fight was originally scheduled for Abu Dhabi this past August. That was changed to December due to “travel issues” for the fighter.
Recently, a video surfaced showing Diaz apparently trying to set a patch of grass on fire. He is shirtless in the video, which was taken at night.
“I don’t know exactly why (the fight was changed),” Luque told MMA Fighting. “I saw that video fo him in the streets and he didn’t look OK. And more than anything, I hope his family and he’s taking care of himself. I hope he recovers and goes back to his best state possible.”
Luque added that when he first saw the video, his only thoughts were about Diaz getting healthy. He admitted to being someone that “inspired” him to get into MMA.
“What he’s done, fighting legends like BJ Penn, Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silva,” Luque said. “You see his accomplishments and see his state at 40 years of age. That’s now how I want to see any fighter.”
The 32-year-old Luque has lost three of his last four overall. The win, though, came vs. former UFC champion Rafael dos Anjos in 2023. He also owns wins over former UFC champion Tyron Woodley and went the distance with ex-No. 1 contender Stephen Thompson.
Back in 2016, Luque finished current UFC champion Belal Muhammad in the first round. That earned him a fight the following March with Leon Edwards, who would also go on to wear UFC gold.
Diaz, meanwhile, has not competed since 2021 when he retired in the third round vs. Robbie Lawler. His last official win came in 2011 over Penn via decision.
