UFC star Vicente Luque made an incredible winning return after being diagnosed with a brain hemorrhage last year.
The 31-year-old beat Rafael dos Anjos via unanimous decision in the welterweight bout held in Las Vegas last night.
GettyVicente Luque defeated Rafael dos Anjos on his return[/caption]
GettyLuque said his comeback is a “miracle”[/caption]
It was Luque’s first fight back since suffering the injury a year and a week ago.
He was knocked out by Geoff Neal last August and it was later confirmed he sustained a brain hemorrhage.
Luque has defied the odds to fight again and bounced back after being hit with some punches and an elbow by Dos Anjos early in the clash.
But the Brazilian landed a career-high eight takedowns and was overwhelmed after securing victory.
Luque said: “I’m a cold guy but I can tell you I am really emotional right now.
“I came back stronger than ever. I beat a former champion in his game.
“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.
“In the first round, I was afraid of getting hit. It had been a year without fighting. I didn’t know how I would react. Now, I’m going to improve and study this and get better.”
The win took Luque’s record to 22-9-1.
He also stated that he is eyeing a fight against Dustin Poirier next.
Luque previously admitted that he feels “blessed” to still be able to compete and that he is “better than 100 per cent” fit.
His recovery from the brain hemorrhage led to him not exercising for a month.
He then began running and hitting the gym before incorporating grappling and pad work.
It took Luque six months to start sparring again.
GettyVicente Luque won after recovering from a brain injury[/caption]