ASSUNCAO vs. MORAES
No. 3-ranked bantamweight contender Raphael Assuncao spoiled the UFC debut of highly-regarded Marlon Moraes Saturday night, snapping his countryman’s 13-fight winning streak via split decision in UFC 212 prelim action at Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro.
Scores were 30-27, 29-28 and 28-29.
The first round was largely tactical, with Moraes’ superior speed allowing him to take the lead behind his sharp striking. Assuncao wasn’t far behind though, and he closed the gap considerably when he landed two flush right hands in the closing seconds of the frame.