Raphael Assuncao still has goals of becoming a UFC champion.
The bantamweight stalwart has one of the more underrated resumes in the division, with wins over former UFC 135-pound champ T.J. Dillashaw, plus contenders Marlon Moraes, Pedro Munhoz, and Aljamain Sterling.
However, setbacks against Moraes in a rematch and Cory Sandhagen have momentarily pushed Assuncao out of the title picture after dropping back-to-back fights for the first time in his UFC career.
In his next outing, Assuncao (27-7 MMA, 11-3 UFC) takes on former UFC 135-pound champ Cody Garbrandt (11-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC), in the co-main event of UFC on ESPN 8 in Columbus. It’s a fight that gives the understated Brazilian an opportunity to bounce back against a notable name.
“It puts me right back in contention,” Assuncao told MMA Junkie. “I know there are a couple of guys out there like Sandhagen and Petr Yan (who) are up there respectfully, but I think a win over him (Cody) puts me right back into that contention, for sure.
“I want to stay relevant. It’s all I have in mind right now. My goal is not fulfilled yet, I’m not giving up. It’s still a grinding game, I’m happy to be a part of it, and I’m embracing this and I feel great right now. Just being a part of it, and having the chance again to really showcase what I have and stay relevant in that division.”
Garbrandt’s career has taken a drastic turn since capturing the bantamweight title. After a masterclass against the consensus greatest bantamweight of all time, Dominick Cruz, Garbrandt went on to lose his next three fights, to Dillashaw (twice) and Munhoz, all by the way of knockout.
But Assuncao isn’t surprised to see Garbrandt’s recent struggles, considering his aggressive fighting style.
“No, I wasn’t really surprised on how he fought,” Assuncao said. “I guess that’s who the guy is, that’s how he showcases his skills and his fighter demeanor. I had a feeling that (Munhoz) was going to be the fight right there and unfortunately, it didn’t play his way. It was a fight that was risky in both ends, strategy-wise, but yeah, I wasn’t surprised that he was going to bring that to the table.”
“(A) former champion, he used to be like the Mike Tyson of the bantamweight or whatever (but) I never looked it at that way. I just saw that he had some good fights, and he did OK, and eventually, it bit him in the butt.”
Assuncao has had plenty of success with his patient and technical style, frustrating opponents with his counter-striking. But regardless if Garbrandt decides to bring a more considered approach to the fight, Assuncao sees the matchup going his way.
“Whatever he brings to the table, it’s going to play in my favor, so it doesn’t matter what he’s going to do,” Assuncao said. “If he wants to brawl, I’m not a brawler. If he wants to play the technical game, I can do that so I think whatever he brings to the table, it’s going to play good for me. I’m a pretty patient guy. I’ve been patient for a long time. You look at what I’ve done at bantamweight, I’ve been pretty patient so Cody Garbrandt’s style isn’t going to change that.”
With both Assuncao and Garbrandt’s backs against the wall, Assuncao is confident that it will bring the best out of him.
“My prediction is going to be a good fight,” Assuncao said. “I feel really good about the matchup, really good about just getting back in there. With both coming for a little redemption which is good. I like a little pressure, I have a good opponent, and we’re looking at a great fight guys.”
UFC on ESPN 8's Raphael Assuncao determined to complete his title quest
