Joe Rogan recently commended the exceptional toughness of fan-favorite fighter Niko Price, highlighting his refusal to give up even after sustaining a severe injury in a past bout.
As anticipation builds for UFC 317, featuring highly anticipated matchups like Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira and talents such as flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja and promising prospect Payton Talbott, attention also turns to fighters known for their thrilling performances. Niko Price, a UFC veteran since 2016, certainly fits this description.
Beyond achieving one of the most memorable and unique knockouts in UFC history, `The Hybrid` has engaged in numerous striking wars. A specific rematch stands out as a prime example of his remarkable resilience.
Recalling Niko Price`s Grueling Rematch with Vicente Luque at UFC 249
The second encounter between Price and Vicente Luque took place at UFC 249 in 2020, marking the promotion`s return amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite being on the preliminary card, their welterweight clash delivered a highly competitive and action-packed battle.
Through two rounds, the fight was exceptionally close, with two judges scoring it even. Both fighters absorbed significant damage throughout the back-and-forth exchange.
However, in the third and final round, Luque landed a heavy right hook that dropped Price. Although `The Hybrid` incredibly recovered and got back to his feet, the cumulative damage, particularly to his right eye, was severe.
With less than 90 seconds remaining in the fight, referee Jason Herzog halted the action to allow the cageside doctor to assess Price`s condition. The doctor`s examination revealed that Price`s eye was completely shut, rendering him unable to continue, and the fight was stopped.
The gruesome nature of Price`s injury was unforgettable for those who watched the event live. Reflecting on Price`s unwavering spirit despite the visible damage, Joe Rogan paid tribute to his insane toughness.
Rogan famously remarked about Price, “You could cut his head off, he`ll keep fighting.”
Niko Price Faces a Tough Undefeated Opponent at UFC 317
Since his second loss to Vicente Luque, Niko Price has faced a challenging streak against tough competition. While he secured a victory in 2024, his overall form has seen inconsistencies.
His upcoming fight at UFC 317 marks his first bout of 2025, where he is scheduled to face an undefeated opponent on the UFC Fight Pass preliminary card.
Price is set to clash with Jacobe Smith, who earned his place in the UFC via Dana White`s Contender Series last October. Smith made a decisive promotional debut in January, securing an impressive first-round knockout victory against Preston Parsons, bringing his career knockout total to eight. This makes Smith a formidable test for `The Hybrid` at UFC 317.
