Coming into UFC Vegas 62 on a four-fight losing streak, Raphael Assuncao knew it was win or go home on Saturday night.
Despite the odds being against him, the 40-year-old veteran put on one of his best performances to date as he shut down Victor Henry round after round both on the feet and on the ground to earn a unanimous decision victory. All three judges scored the fight 30-27 for Assuncao, who gets a much needed win while rejuvenating his UFC career at the same time.
“So much emotion right now,” Assuncao said. I was at 40 my best year. Although I wasn’t ready to retire, it was close .”
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The bantamweights were fighting for the position of the feet, with Henry being the aggressor while Assuncao was playing a counter-striking game. While Henry was peppering away with higher volume, Assuncao was connecting with better impact as he measured his shots in return.
After taking advantage of an earlier slip on a kick from Henry at the start of the second round, Assuncao looked to display his dominance on the ground after he landed on top. Assuncao was heavy as he pressed down on Henry, throwing short, stiff punches that were starting to do some damage.
Assuncao was able to resist submissions and punish Henry on ground, helping him score even more points. As the third round got underway, Henry’s coaches were urging him to look for the finish because a decision may not go his way.
Henry came forward, putting his power behind every punch. Assuncao was able to match him. Henry was continually invited by Assuncao to follow him, before he unleashed a vicious straight right hand on Assuncao and followed it up with a massive left hook.
Assuncao also did a good job grabbing Henry’s kicks to threaten with the takedown, which gave him another avenue to mix up his offensive onslaught. No matter what Henry was throwing at him, Assuncao always seemed to have the answer and that led to a shutout on the scorecards as he gets the job done.
Once considered to be a valid bantamweight champion, Assuncao showed that he has lots of fight left after defeating Henry at UFC Vegas 62.
