This is very much a passing of the torch type fight. From 2018 to 2022 Vicente was a killer and everyone's favorite fighter but now here we are. He is older, slower, chinnier and a shell of who he used he used to be. So here comes Joel Alvarez, basically Vicente 2.0. He has great striking, great BJJ and seems to be hitting his stride. This version of Vicente, the one who has been finished in 3 of his last 5 fights, isn't winning here. Joel likely finished Vicente on the feet but could certainly do it on the ground as well. The only real chance Vicente has here is that Joel doesn't defend takedowns. But even with that, Joel is the pick.

Vicente Luque

Vincente Luque is pretty good everywhere, he has power in his hands, solid wrestling and fantastic submissions if it gets to the ground. At the end of the day he is a striker and is looking to bang it out on his feet. His 61% takedown defense may seem low but keep in mind he has been fighting the upper echelon of the division for the last 5 years. At one point Vicente was one of the best in the world, but now he's getting taken down and finished by Kevin Holland

Joel Alvarez

Joel Alvarez is very tall for the division at 6'3 and he uses that length and reach well. He has solid kicks and ok boxing but very good grappling. His grappling is interesting because he gotten a single takedown in the UFC. in fact, he hasn't defended one either. It may be easy to take Joel down, but he did submit 4 of the 6 people who have. He is coming off the KO win over Drakkar Klose where it was clear he cannot defend takedowns but has insane power.