Raphael Assuncao isn’t sure how title shots are doled out in the UFC, but he is confident he’s going to get there eventually.
The surging bantamweight contender has won all six of his bouts since dropping down into 135-pound waters in 2011, including a victory over the man who now holds the divisional strap in T.J. Dillashaw. Last October, Assuncao edged out the Team Alpha Male staple in a gritty affair where each fighter had his fair share of moments. Nevertheless, it was the savvy Brazilian who had his hand raised, as he became only the second fighter to defeat Dillashaw under the UFC banner.
When he defeated Pedro Munhoz in his next showing at UFC 170, it seemed as if he had made his case for title contention. But championship opportunities are tricky business, and few have come to understand this as well as Assuncao.
When a bout against then champion Renan Barao failed to materialize due to Assuncao recovering from an injury, the organization tapped Dillashaw to step in and take the fight against The Baron. This, of course, led to one of the biggest upsets in UFC history, as the highly touted prospect derailed the Brazilian phenom at UFC 173 back in May.
In the wake of the shocking loss, Barao was granted an immediate rematch, which never became reality as the Nova Uniao fighter failed to make weight and was replaced at the last minute by promotional newcomer Joe Soto. All the while Assuncao and his winning streak sat on the sidelines, watching the chaos unfold.
Now, with UFC President Dana White deeming former champion Dominick Cruz the No. 1 contender in the aftermath of his triumphant return against Takeya Mizugaki at UFC 178, Assuncao’s road to a title shot may take an even longer detour. Yet, rather than wait around for his opportunity to materialize, Assuncao chose to get back to work, and he’ll face Bryan Caraway at Fight Night 54 this Saturday in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
“If I keep doing what I’ve been doing and keep doing my job, the title shot is going to come,” Assuncao told Bleacher Report. “That’s why I take every fight very seriously. It doesn’t matter who I’m fighting or where it’s at…I take every fight very seriously. When the opportunity for a title shot presents itself, I’m going to be there. I’m going secure that spot and try to win the belt.
“So many things happen. So many things have happened since my injury, and that opportunity can change hands quickly. I’m getting more comfortable in there, even though it is upsetting some times. I’m just going to do what I do, and I’ll get my title shot.”
While Assuncao has been tearing his way up the bantamweight ladder, Caraway has also been quietly moving up the rankings as well. The Xtreme Couture-trained fighter has won five of his six showings since his stint on the 14th season of The Ultimate Fighter, and his upcoming bout against Assuncao is his biggest bout to come along under the UFC banner.
That said, Assuncao isn’t taking Caraway lightly. He understands the dangers the Washington native presents and believes he will be able to handle anything that is thrown his way. On the flip side, he doesn’t necessarily believe Caraway will have the same luxury once things get rolling inside the Octagon.
“I feel good going into this fight, and I’m motivated because he’s a worthy opponent,” Assuncao said. “I’m motivated to get back in there and get back in action. I think some of his other opponents have underestimated him, but that’s not the case here.
“I’m definitely not looking past him or underestimating him. I’ve taken this camp seriously. With my injuries and rehabilitation, I’ve been training a very long time for this fight. We had a long camp to make sure we were very well-prepared, but there is no added pressure or anything like that.
“When it is all said and done, everything is different once you get up into the cage. I think I’ve seen a lot more than he has. He mixes his wrestling with his jiu-jitsu very well, but I’ve seen that before. I’m not sure if he’s seen what I bring to the table.”
Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.
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