Brazilian welterweight turned middleweight Vicente Luque returned at UFC 330, taking on former TUF standout Tresean Gore on the preliminary card.
Luque boasted nearly triple the experience of Gore, with the veteran seeking his second straight victory at 185lbs. Gore had also returned to the win column earlier this year.
Both fighters met in the center of the cage to start the opening round, exchanging low kicks and jabs in the pocket. Gore seemed very quick threatening a few head kicks that narrowly missed. Moments later Gore did some solid work in the clinch landing a few uppercuts and a knee to the body. Luque was pressing forward but was unable to get anything off. Gore connected with a big punch that wobbled Luque sending him retreating on wobbly legs. The veteran was able to recover momentarily, but Gore was starting to find a rhythm on the feet. At the final moments of the round Luque landed a solid right hook that got Gore’s attention, but it was not enough to sway the round.
After landing a big punch to end the first, Luque opened the second with a different level of confidence on the feet. Moving forward and throwing big shots, Luque dropped Gore and locked in a front choke. After looking like the submission was tight, Gore recovered to his feet and landed big punches on Luque who was still in a seated position. Taking big shots Luque gave up his back and Gore looked for a rear naked choke. Luque was able to survive but Gore ended up on top in full mount, where he landed some elbows an threatened an arm triangle.
An unbelievable second round came to an end, with Gore on top, after surviving a knockdown early. Gore looked like the fresher fighter to start round three, landing a few glancing blows while circling away at distance. Luque continued to press forward throwing a hard left hook to the head of Gore. With a minute remaining Gore shot a takedown that was defended by Luque. After fifteen minutes the judges scored the fight for Gore unanimously.
An fantastic middleweight fight saw Gore pay respect to Luque after the win, earning back to back victory’s in the UFC. Gore had a significant injury to his mouth having multiple teeth knocked out by a flying knee from Luque. Gore’s toughness was on full display in this fight, earning much respect from fight fans worldwide. Also on display, one of those teeth, in his hand during his post-fight interview. Many others could be seen caved in. Not a scene for the faint of heart.
Official Result: Tresean Gore def. Vicente Luque by unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 29–28)
