R. Assunção (photo) comes from seven consecutive victories at bantamweight. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
The Brazilian Raphael Assunção was responsible for the last defeat of the bantamweight champion's career TJ Dillashaw, and for this reason he always finds himself faced with questions about the North American. With TJ about to make his second title defense, scheduled for July 25th against Renan Barao, Raphael spoke about the title holder in the 61,2 kg category and assured that he will not hold the belt for long.
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“I still think about that fight a lot, because it was close. Dillashaw is too new to hold that belt. Both Barão and I have more experience than him, we have been through much more. He’s been talking a lot since he became champion, he’s capitalizing on this moment and he has to do that, but he won’t hold the belt for long,” said Assunção, in an interview with the “Combate” channel website.
Coming from a long undefeated streak and with a triumph over the current champion in retrospect, Raphael also said he expected a chance at the belt, even sooner than one might think. “I've been training hard for three weeks and I'm ready for whatever comes. I got a ghost message from my manager saying, 'Be in shape and ready to fight.' And I am obeying. I'll be ready for July 25th, because one of the two won't fight. The Baron has had weight problems before, right? Why not be prepared?” asked the native of Pernambuco.
At 32, Raphael Assunção has a professional record of 22 wins and four losses. The Brazilian has won seven consecutive victories, the most recent of which was over Bryan caraway, muse's boyfriend Miesha Tate, in October of last year.
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