Vicente Luque Predicts Submission Win for Gilbert Burns vs. Belal Muhammad

Few people have more insight than the UFC 288 co-main event than Vicente Luque.

Not only is Luque a close friend and longtime sparring partner of Gilbert Burns – they’ve trained together since 2014 -- but he’s fought Belal Muhammad on two occasions, winning via first-round knockout at UFC 205 before dropping a five-round verdict to “Remember the Name” in their rematch at UFC on ESPN 34. Luque expects a competitive fight between the two on Saturday but sees Burns as the favorite.

"I fought five rounds with Belal one year ago,” Luque said. “He has definitely evolved from our first fight. Besides throwing fast combinations, he moves well and has a good kick with his left leg, but he fights more to score points. I see a clear advantage for ‘Durinho’ in the grappling aspect. He has much more pressure, mainly on the ground, in addition to amazing cardio. On the striking aspect, I see it being more equal. ‘Durinho’ evolved a lot and has more knockout power.

“I truly don’t see that fight going to the fifth round. My bet is ‘Durinho’ via submission in the third.”

Currently 10th in the UFC welterweight rankings, Luque confirmed the recently reported matchup with Rafael dos Anjos for July 15. “The Silent Assassin” will look to end a two-fight skid after falling to Muhammad and Geoff Neal in back-to-back outings.

"Rafael is one of the most renowned fighters out there,” Luque said. “This guy was the champion of lightweight, a contender at welterweight. He truly fought the best in two weight divisions. To write your name among the best you have to face the best. Rafael is in a great place after [moving his camp to] Nova União.

“I just fought five rounds once, against Belal, and I liked that experience. I´m sure a five-round fight with RDA will be a gift to the fans.”