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Raphael Assuncao's first UFC bout of 2023 has been made official. The veteran bantamweight will be competing against Kyler Phillips at UFC Fight Night 221, which is scheduled to take place at The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 11.
The Brazilian most recently competed at UFC Vegas 62, which saw him earn a unanimous decision win against Victor Henry after all three judges scored the bout 30-27 in his favor. The win was significant as his tenure with the promotion was likely in jeopardy for being on a four fight losing skid.
Phillips, on the other hand, is a promising fighter in the bantamweight division who made his UFC debut on Dana White's Contender Series in 2017. He is 4-1 since joining the promotion following his stint on The Ultimate Fighter, which includes a win against surging bantamweight Song Yadong.
Assuncao will be in for a tough ride as he looks to extend his winning streak. The 40-year-old could make a big statement should he defeat a talented young bantamweight in Phillips. 'Matrix' will be coming off a long layoff. He most recently fought at UFC 271 last February, where he submitted Marcelo Rojo in the first round.
Take a look at the video below:
Raphael Assuncao has competed in three-different weight-divisions
Raphael Assuncao has had a lengthy MMA career spanning 18 years. He has been in the UFC for over a decade.
During his career, the 40-year-old has competed in three different weight divisions: lightweight, featherweight, and currently at bantamweight.
The Brazilian has wins against the likes of Joe Lauzon, Jorge Masvidal, former UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw, and reigning UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling.
Depending on what transpires in his upcoming bout with Kyler Phillips at UFC Fight Night 221, he could possibly earn another opportunity against a top-10 bantamweight.
