  We first build a minimal model of vector-like quarks where the dominant Higgs
boson production process at LHC -- the gluon fusion -- can be significantly
suppressed, being motivated by the recent stringent constraints from the search
for direct Higgs production over a wide Higgs mass range. Within this model,
compatible with the present experimental constraints on direct Higgs searches,
we demonstrate that the Higgs ($h$) production via a heavy vector-like
top-partner ($t_2$) decay, $pp \to t_2 \bar t_2$, $t_2\to t h$, allows to
discover a Higgs boson at the LHC and measure its mass, through the decay
channels $h\to \gamma\gamma$ or $h\to ZZ$. We also comment on the recent hint
in LHC data from a possible $\sim 125$ GeV Higgs scalar, in the presence of
heavy vector-like top quarks.
