After 15 years, Johnny Eduardo (middle) has finally entered the UFC. | Photo: Marcelo Alonso
Bantamweights
Raphael Assuncao (16-4, 0-1 UFC) vs. Johnny Eduardo (25-8, 0-0 UFC)
However, Assuncao will have little interest in an extended standup battle. He can bang a bit on the feet, especially with his thudding right hand, but that is mostly a cover charge so he can close the gap and get the fight to the ground.
His battle with Urijah Faber in the WEC was an intricate duel of high-level grappling, and he gave the talented former champion all he could handle before succumbing via rear-naked choke in the third round.
Assuncao knows where his strengths lie and that he needs to get this to the ground, where Eduardo has been submitted seven times. To a jiu-jitsu specialist, stats like that are akin to putting steak in front of a pitbull.
Assuncao should be able to fight through some early sharp shots and counters to force a clinch, get the takedown and work over Eduardo. However, despite his losses by submission, Eduardo has proven quite durable, a trait to be expected from a good striker.
The Pick: Eduardo is a hard man to stop, but Assuncao will wear him down en route to a second-round submission.
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