Joel Alvarez felt the difference in power after moving up to welterweight.
Alvarez (23-3) moved up from lightweight to welterweight, replacing Santiago Ponzinnibbio on short notice against Vicente Luque (23-12) at UFC Rio in October 2025. Alvarez reveals that Luque is the hardest puncher he has ever faced, surprising him twice with his power.
Size Matters
“Speaking of the power of hitting – Vicente Luque,” Alvarez said on ZZEN Talks. “He surprised me twice when he hit me. I said, ‘Holy s—t, this is the punching power of welterweights.