Las Vegas has seen countless events over the years, but none quite like UFC Vegas 78 at the UFC Apex. The atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation and echoing roars that made the entire arena come alive.
The headliner, the welterweight clash between Vicente Luque and Rafael dos Anjos, was not just a fight—it was a saga. Every punch thrown, every takedown attempted, told the tale of a man’s relentless pursuit to reclaim his place in the sport he loved.
For Luque, it was about more than just victory. It was about resurgence. The audience could feel the weight of his previous year, where he was diagnosed with a brain haemorrhage after a devastating blow by George Neal. This could have been a career-ending scenario for many. But Luque isn’t just any fighter. Despite the traumatic experience, the intensity in his eyes hinted at his fierce determination and unwavering spirit.
Having been cleared to compete by the Nevada State Athletic Commission just a fortnight ago, many expected a cautious performance. However, Luque defied all expectations. His wrestling and grappling, honed and sharpened, seemed like the work of a man reborn. The judges’ scorecards reading 49-46, 48-47, 48-47 were just a formality that echoed what everyone already felt – Luque was back and in phenomenal form.
Speaking of his comeback, Luque’s voice was filled with emotion, “I came back stronger than ever; I beat a former champion in his game.” He continued, reflecting on his journey, “For me, it’s a miracle to be here. A lot of people know what happened to me a year ago. I never feared anything, but I feared not being able to do this again.”
On the opposite side was Rafael dos Anjos, who, despite starting on a strong note, found himself gradually cornered by Luque’s superior tactics. His ankle sleeves, removed in a strategic move by his camp after the third round, indicated a desperate play for agility. Still, Luque’s power and precision, culminating in eight takedowns, a personal best, overshadowed dos Anjos’ efforts.
But the night had more stories to tell.
The co-main event was another roller coaster. Cub Swanson, the veteran, locked horns with Hakeem Dawodu. Swanson’s unanimous decision was surrounded by whispers of controversy. The back and forth between them kept everyone on the edge of their seats, showcasing a blend of experience and new-age fervour.
Khalil Rountree made headlines with a jaw-dropping TKO against Chris Daukas within the opening round. His display of power was a stark reminder of the explosive talent he brings to the table. Meanwhile, in the women’s strawweight division, Iasmin Lucindo provided a technical masterclass, finishing Polyana Viana with a slick submission.
The middleweight division was bursting with action. AJ Dobson’s clash with Tafon Nchukwi, followed by Josh Fremd’s battle with Jamie Pickett, were pure adrenaline. Both fights concluded with unanimous decisions, a testament to the fighters’ matched skills and tenacity.
The night was filled with TKOs and submissions galore, from Marcus McGhee’s powerful right-hand knockout of JP Buys to Martin Buday’s clinical submission of Josh Parisian. Da’Mon Blackshear stood out with his unique twister submission, a move that left the audience in awe.
The women continued to make their mark. Jaqueline Amorim’s tactical prowess saw her achieve a TKO against Montserrat Conejo Ruiz. Similarly, Luana Santos showcased her dominance with a fierce takedown of Juliana Miller.
UFC Vegas 78 was not just another fight night. It was a ballet of power, precision, technique, and raw emotion. The fighters, each with their narratives, stepped into the Octagon to showcase their dedication to the craft. The fans, in turn, were treated to a spectacle that will be remembered for a very long time.
