Vicente Luque Explains Why he Wants to Fight Nate Diaz

After Vicente Luque’s impressive win over Randy Brown at UFC Vegas 5, the welterweight contender relayed he wants to fight Nate Diaz. Although it sounds like Luque understands securing that fight might be tough, it didn’t stop the Brazilian from explaining why he wants to face the Stockton star.

Luque makes case for Diaz fight

The 28-year-old Luque took on Randy Brown on Saturday night, and he finished the tall welterweight in round two.

From the get go, Luque battered Brown with calf kicks and threatened him with hard hooks. Then in round, as they battled along the cage, Luque blasted Brown with a knee and finished the fight.

During his post-fight interview, Luque reported that he wants to fight Diaz, even though he knows the latter typcially takes superfights.

Then, during the post-fight presser, Luque continued to push for a fight with the star (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“Nate Diaz is a super respected guy, everybody know what he’s capable of and what he’s accomplished,” Luque said. “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.”

And does he think Diaz or the UFC will take a look at this?

“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.”

Could it happen?

On paper, and as Luque alluded to, there is plenty to like about this match-up. Both fighters are aggressive, pressuring fighters and both are extremely durable.

But, at the end of the day, it’s hard to imagine Diaz being on board.

While Luque is a familiar name with hardcore fans, he doesn’t have the following of Nate’s last opponent, Jorge Masvidal. After losing to ‘Gamebred’, Diaz said he wants to run it back.

Further, talk about Diaz fighting Conor McGregor for a third time has never gone away. So, it would be kind surprising if Diaz returned to the Octagon for a bout with Luque.

You can’t, however, blame him for trying right?