Vicente Luque (image via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Following Vicente Luque’s thrilling and memorable win at UFC 265, Dana White believes there’s no question the fighter’s proven he’s an elite welterweight.

Luque took on Michael Chiesa at the recent event, and after defending several submission attempts, he secured a fight-ending D’arce choke.

Heading into the card, Luque was riding a three-fight winning streak and he was coming off a submission win over former champ, Tyron Woodley. When asked afterward if Luque has established himself as a top contender, White said there is no longer, any doubt (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“He is now (a top welterweight),” White said. “We’re talking about him now. First of all, that kid is fun to watch. When he beat Woodley, Woodley hadn’t won a fight in three years. He beat Woodley – OK. Tonight, not only did he beat Michael Chiesa, but when he went for that choke, I was like, ‘Why are you trying to submit Michael Chiesa? Get back on your feet!’ He got it. He did it.”

“I love to watch that kid fight,” White said. “He’s exciting. He’s a killer, and I look forward to what’s next for him. You can’t talk about all the top guys in the world without talking about Luque now.”

The 29-year-old Luque (21-7-1) has gone 9-1 now in his last 10 fights, with his only defeat coming against longtime contender, Stephen Thompson.