Ht/Wt: 5’5/145 lbs.
Age: 26
Hometown: Recife, Brazil
Fighting out of: Atlanta
Team: American Top Team
Record: 12-1
The Breakdown: At long last, Rafael Assuncao gets his shot at the big leagues and he’ll do it against the well-rounded yet lightly regarded Jameel Massouh. While Massouh’s cheering section may not be as vocal as Assuncao’s, he is an underrated fighter in a talent-rich division. As always, Assuncao’s best bet is to stick to his strengths and turn this into a mat battle, as Massouh is not amongst the handful that can survive on the ground with the Brazilian.
The X Factor: Slowly but surely, Assuncao has shown improved striking, but now is not the time for Assuncao to start experimenting on the feet. While Massouh is hardly the kickboxing Baryshnikov, Assuncao better not come out looking to impress the world with his newfound striking and risk spoiling his own coming out party.
Jameel Massouh Scouting Report
Ht/Wt: 5’10/145 lbs.
Age: 24
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisc.
Fighting out of: Kenosha, Wisc.
Team: Freestyle Academy
Record: 21-4
The Breakdown: A relative unknown in the featherweight ranks, Massouh is supposedly being thrown to the wolves in the form of Raphael Assuncao. Keeping himself from becoming Assuncao’s latest meal ticket means keeping this from turning into a jiu-jitsu clinic. The only sure way Massouh has of doing that is drawing Assuncao into a striking battle, as he lacks the wrestling to bully Assuncao around. It will take a perfect fight from Massouh -- as long as he keeps himself from becoming Assuncao’s grappling dummy.
The X Factor: Massouh’s versatility often leads to him going with the flow in his bouts instead of imposing his will on opponents. Going along with Assuncao’s plans will get Massouh a few inverted limbs and a nice medical bill. Seizing the initiative and forcing Assuncao into a battle is Massouh’s only hope of keeping himself in the WEC.
The Bottom Line: Everyone loves an upset but they’ll have to look elsewhere, as Assuncao has long been one of the division’s best fighters. Finally given a chance to shine, he’ll pick apart Massouh on the mat in short order.