Duel between Assunção and Sterling rescheduled for UFC on Fox 23

Assunção (left) and Sterling (right) lost in their last fights. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS Production/UFC Disclosure

The fight between the bantamweights Raphael Assunção e aljamain sterling got a new date: they will face each other at UFC on Fox 23, January 28th, in Denver (USA). The information is from the 'MMA Fighting' website (USA).

Initially, the duel would take place at UFC Albany, which will be held this Friday (09), but the North American was injured and was forced to leave the card. Considered one of the top fighters under 61kg, the two lost in their last appearances.

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Raphael comes from a points defeat to TJ Dillashaw at UFC 200, in July this year. The setback interrupted a streak of seven consecutive victories for the Brazilian, who was very close to receiving a chance to fight for the category belt. Third in the ranking, a new triumph could replace Assunção as one of the candidates for the challenger position.

Sterling, in turn, was surpassed by Bryan caraway last May, at UFC Fight Night: Almeida x Garbrandt. The stumble was the first in the American's career, who now has 12 wins and just one defeat in his career. Treated as one of the promises of the division, The Funk Master, as he is known, seeks to recover his career and return to the top 5. He currently occupies eighth place on the list.

The main fight of UFC on Fox 23 will be between bantamweights Valentina Shevchenko e Julianna Pena. The duel between the middleweights Hector Lombard e Brad Tavares is also confirmed for the show.