Could we get Vincente Luque vs. Nate Diaz next?
The Brazilan is coming off a huge knockout win over Randy Brown on Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+31 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Following his big victory, the #11 ranked fighter in the welterweight division made it clear that he wants to step into the octagon against the Stockton native (Transcript courtesy of MMA Junkie):
“Nate Diaz is a super respected guy, everybody know what he’s capable of and what he’s accomplished,” Luque told reporters. That’s why I think it’s a great name even though he’s underneath me in the rankings. I think it would add a lot to my name, that’s why I want that fight. It’s a super exciting fight in my mind. People see my highlights, you watch Nate’s highlights, there’s no way it won’t be a great fight.”
Diaz has taken marquee fights in recent years against Jorge Masvidal, Anthony Pettis and Conor McGregor, so Luque understands that he doesn’t have the name value that all three men have; however, he feels that Nate is a fighter first and knows that he will put on an exciting bout against the UFC veteran:
“The truth is that I don’t know if they’re (UFC) going to try it, but for me, Nate is a fighter and fighters fight,” Luque said. “I’m the kind of fighter that I’m going to put on an exciting fight no matter who it is. So Nate wants a big fight, I’m not going to sell it by talking, but definitely going to sell it by fighting.
“He knows I’m going to step in and I’m going to try to take his head off,” Luque continued. “Even if he tries to take my head off, I’m going to keep on pushing. It’s an exciting fight. If Nate wants to be in exciting fights, I’m the name, I’m the guy. I’m willing to fight anybody in the top 15 right now. I feel great. I like to keep myself active. I feel that makes me evolve. Nate is the name I want right now, but you know, if it doesn’t work out right now, no problem. I’m still going to be excited to fight another name in the top 15.”
As of this writing, Diaz hasn’t responded to Vincente’s call out. It appears that the welterweight is currently enjoying life outside of the UFC as there’s been no reported talks of him looking to make a comeback anytime soon.