Vicente Luque opts to fight the monstrous Francis Ngannou over Gilbert Burns

It's no secret that Vicente Luque and Gilbert Burns are good friends, but the rangy welterweight has revealed that he'd rather fight Francis Ngannou instead of stepping into the octagon to compete against his long-term training partner.

'The Silent Assassin' is arguably one of the most violent competitors in his weight class and is rarely ever involved in a boring fight. This makes him a fan-favorite amongst the MMA fanbase. With a kill-or-be-killed fight-style comes losses, and the Brazilian is looking to bounce back after suffering a knockout last time out.

During a recent interview, Vicente Luque shared a game plan of how he'd approach a potential Francis Ngannou fight. He admitted that he would prefer to fight the UFC heavyweight champion over his friend Gilbert Burns.

"I would fight Francis Ngannou [instead of Gilbert Burns], even though I think I would go to the hospital after that fight, I think it's better, I don't want to fight my friend... [My game plan would be] moving as much as I can and then I don't know, maybe try to get a takedown and get some hit in. I believe at least maybe I can be quicker, because I'm much lighter, so just try to put some points and move around and not get hit."

Luque is currently on the worst run of results in his seven-year-long UFC career. He will want to get back into the winners' column when he's undoubtedly matched up with another welterweight killer in the future.

His friend Gilbert Burns is preparing to step back into the octagon at UFC 283 in Brazil on January 21, where he collides with veteran Neil Magny to re-establish himself in the division following his loss to Khamzat Chimaev.

Check out what Vicente Luque had to say about a fantasy Francis Ngannou matchup in the video below.

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When will Francis Ngannou be back in the octagon?

Although nothing has been made official about his comeback, Francis Ngannou did previously state that he'd be ready to compete in early-mid 2023 and that looks likely for the powerhouse.

Jon Jones is the man rumored to be welcoming 'The Predator' back into the cage, but just like the heavyweight champion, 'Bones' potential return is plagued by doubt and unanswered questions.

Reports suggest that if either of the men cannot make a specific date set to be announced by the UFC, Curtis Blaydes will be filling in and competing in his first title bout.