Vicente Luque vs. Joel Alvarez: Live round-by-round updates: UFC Rio: Vicente Luque vs. Joel Alvarez: Live round-by-round updates

Welterweights Vicente Luque and Joel Alvarez clash in a matchup built for fireworks.

Luque returns to home soil, aiming to end a tough stretch that’s seen him lose four of his last six fights, including a submission defeat to Kevin Holland in June. A proven finisher with dangerous power and creativity, Luque remains one of the division’s most entertaining fighters.

His aggressive style, sharpened by years of competition at the highest level, makes him a constant threat to anyone willing to engage. Fighting in Brazil has historically brought out his best performances, and a win here could be the spark he needs to reignite his career.

Alvarez steps in on short notice for Santiago Ponzinibbio and makes his debut at welterweight after years of dominance at 155 pounds. The Spaniard boasts a 22-3 record and an incredible 100 per cent finishing rate. Standing six-foot-three with a long reach, he’ll enter with physical advantages and an opportunity to make an instant impression in his new division.

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UFC Rio takes place on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at the Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Prelims begin at 4:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM PT, followed by the main card at 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT. Stream the event live on ESPN+ or watch prelims on ESPN channels.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for live coverage and play-by-play updates of the event:

Round 1

Alvarez starts the fight with stiff jabs, while Luque fires back with a left to the body. The Spaniard is switching stances to land rangy punches that are keeping Luque at bay. Luque fires back with a good right hand. Luque enters with a left to the body and an overhand right behind that. Alvarez lands a heavy leg kick and scores up top with a right hand. An accidental eye poke from Alvarez pauses the action. Alvarez immediately blitzes forward, and Luque returns fire. Alvarez finds an opening in the closing minute, pressuring Luque against the fence and landing solid combinations.

Our Score: 10-9 Alvarez

Round 2

Alvarez pours on the pressure and starts landing more punches with vigor. He lands a good flying knee, but Luque seems to have absorbed it well. Luque shoots for a takedown and ends up in a dangerous position. Alvarez sinks in a D'arce choke, but Luque defends it well. He takes the back of Luque and lands heavy blows as he transitions to side control. Referee is stepping in for a closer look. Alvarez lands elbows and short punches to the body. Luque tries to turn into Alvarez and get back up, but he's already two steps ahead. Another dominant round for the Spaniard.

Our Score: 10-9 Alvarez (20-18 overall)

Round 3

Alvarez is content firing with jabs from outside Luque's range. He lands a stiff teep kick to the body. Luque shoots for a takedown, and Alvarez defends it well. Muted action in this round as both fighters are content just fighting for position in the closing minutes.

Our Score: 10-9 Alvarez (30-27 overall)

Official Result

Joel Alvarez defeats Vicente Luque by unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 30-27).

About the author

Abhishek Ramadasan Nambiar is a journalist who covers MMA at Sportskeeda. As a long-time practitioner of various martial arts, seeing the fusion of different forms into a quest for the ultimate fighter felt both primal and profoundly technical. At Sportskeeda, Abhishek's primary goal is to offer a fresh and distinctive angle through his writing, aiming to provide readers with more than just the basics of MMA. Along with keeping them informed about the latest developments in the sport, he strives to offer valuable insights that enhance their understanding of MMA.

When not writing about MMA, Abhishek often spends time reviewing music or devouring Brian Evanson's and Blake Crouch's work. Sign up to receive news, regular updates, and exclusive coverage.

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