UFC veteran Vicente Luque remains determined to continue his fighting career despite a serious brain injury that nearly ended his time in the Octagon. Ahead of UFC 316, taking place in Newark, New Jersey, Luque is refusing to entertain retirement plans, stating, "There’s still a lot to do." The event features a bantamweight title rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley, alongside Julianna Pena’s 135-pound title defense against Kayla Harrison, with numerous other notable undercard fighters. Luque’s return to competition has been marked by both successes and setbacks, highlighting the challenges he faced following a significant health scare.

In 2023, Luque successfully navigated a one-year medical suspension following a brain bleed discovered after a brutal knockout loss to Geoff Neal. This injury, stemming from a prior beatdown against Belal Muhammad, initially threatened to end his career. However, Luque’s swift recovery and subsequent return to action demonstrate his resilience and unwavering commitment to the sport. Despite the inherent risks associated with his profession, Luque intends to continue competing, driven by a desire to maximize his time inside the Octagon and achieve his ambitious goals. Luque’s comeback journey has been characterized by a three-fight run since his initial injury scare, showcasing a blend of strategic adjustments and explosive performances.

Luque’s initial victory came against Rafael dos Anjos at UFC Vegas 78, a testament to his experience and skill. However, his momentum was halted in his second fight back against Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlantic City, where he suffered another knockout. Undeterred, Luque rebounded emphatically in his most recent bout at UFC 310, securing a dominant submission victory over Themba Gorimbo in just 52 seconds with a masterful anaconda choke. This performance underscored his continued grappling prowess and determination to regain his position within the welterweight rankings, currently holding a spot inside the top 15. Luque’s story is one of perseverance, a testament to his dedication and refusal to surrender his dreams, even in the face of adversity.

Looking ahead to UFC 316, Luque is focused on defending his ranking against the dynamic and unpredictable Kevin Holland. This matchup presents a significant challenge, as Holland is known for his aggressive style and relentless pressure. Luque recognizes Holland’s dangerous abilities and aims to leverage his experience and tactical acumen to secure a victory and propel himself back into contention for a top-five ranking. "I want to step in that Octagon and do what I do," Luque stated, emphasizing his desire to continue competing at the highest level. "I want to get back into that mix, into that top five. That’s the goal for this year."