C. Sonnen (photo) said athletes need to be direct in their requests. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
The Brazilian Raphael Assunção has been touted as a likely bantamweight challenger in recent months, but his title shot has been postponed a few times. In the opinion of the former fighter and specialist in using provocations to fight for the belt Chael Sonnen, Raphael's problem is the result of one thing: his passivity in the face of opportunities.
“I watched (the fight) from Raphael Assunção. I know him, he's a really nice guy and a great fighter. They gave him an interview and it was really bad. He was smiling like a boy. When he was asked: ‘Will this victory give you all the attention and the green light?’. He said, 'I hope so.' What kind of way to spend your life is that? Waiting is not a plan. If you want something, go after it and get it. If you want something for yourself, go look for it and say it’s yours!”, said the American in an interview with “Fighters Only” magazine.
To exemplify the stance he believes is ideal for the Brazilian, Sonnen cited the Irishman Conor McGregor. "Conor McGregor recently appeared with a (fake) belt and a lot of people were saying: 'That's ridiculous'. Well, a lot of people thought he was the champion. Several people who didn't know that he was showing off with the belt, several people who just got involved (in MMA). When a little lady from Iowa turns on her TV and sees an Irishman with a five and a half kilo gold belt, she assumes he is the champion. Good for Conor and bad for everyone else,” she assessed.
At 32, Raphael Assunção has a professional record of 23 wins and just four losses. The Pernambuco native from Recife is on an incredible undefeated streak that has lasted seven fights. In his last fight, the Pernambuco native from Recife beat the North American Bryan caraway at UFC Fight Night 54, on October 4th. Currently, Raphael occupies fourth place in the official UFC rankings, behind the champion TJ Dillashaw, Renan Barao, Dominick Cruz e Urijah faber.
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