UFC 170 Play-by-Play: Raphael Assuncao vs. Pedro Munhoz

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Raphael Assuncao vs. Pedro Munhoz

Round 1: Assuncao takes the center of the cage.  He lands two hard inside leg kicks.  He moves in with a left hand.  Munhoz lands a leg kick of his own.  Assuncao delivers a counter right hand.  Munhoz answers with a right leg kick.  Munhoz lands to the body with a kick.  Assuncao answers with a side kick to the body.  They exchange front kicks to the body.  Munhoz presses forward.  They exchange  jabs and leg kicks.  Assuncao moves forward behind his jab.  Munhoz lands an outside leg kick.  Assuncao changes stances.  Munhoz continues to work the lead leg of Assuncao.  Assuncao switches stances and lands a straight left.  The round ends.  Close round.  MMAWeekly scores the round 10-9 for Munhoz with the leg kicks.

Round 2: Assuncao lands a leg kick to start the second frame.  Munhoz inches forward.  He lands a right hand on the inside.  Assuncao catches a kick and takes Munhoz down.  Munhoz works for a leg, but Assuncao gets it free.  Assuncao lands a few shots and Munhoz scrambles back to his feet.  He lands a right hand to the body.  Munhoz misses with a winging right hand.  Assuncao steps in with a right.  He delivers a hard inside leg kick.  Munhoz misses with a heel kick and Assuncao takes him down.  He works in Munhoz’ guard.  Munhoz controls Assuncao’s wrists.  Assuncao gets his right hand free and lands to the body and then head.  He stands over Munhoz and drops in with a right hand that misses.  The round ends.  MMAWeekly scores it 10-9 for Assuncao.

Round 3: Assuncao lands a combination to start the final round.  Munhoz presses forward and lands an outside leg kick.  Assuncao checks a leg kick.  He lands a left hand.  Munhoz goes to the body with a left hand followed by a kick to the body.  Munhoz moves in with a right hand and Assuncao fires back.  Munhoz delivers a knee to the body.  Assuncao lands a left hand.  Assuncao moves in with two right hands.  Munhoz answers with an outside leg kick.  Assuncao is landing his jab.  He delivers a combination.  Munhoz continues to press forward.  He lands to the body with a left hand.  Assuncao starting to land more often.  He steps in with a combination.  Munhoz lands a kick to the body.  Assuncao catches it and pushes him away.  Assuncao changes levels and secures a takedown in the final seconds.  MMAWeekly scores the round 10-9 for Assuncao.

The judges scored the fight for Assuncao by unanimous decision.  All three scorecards read 30-27.

QUOTES

Raphael Assuncao:
“I’m a little bruised up but I’m feeling fine. Another win under my belt. The late change in opponent wasn’t a big deal but it did throw me off because I had a solid game plan for my previous opponent. I’m not the greatest puncher or the heaviest hitter but I hit him with some really hard shots that didn’t put him down so that surprised me. I watched some tape on him and those push kicks to check the distance really helped me out there. My record speaks for itself. I think it’s good to have a chip on your shoulder because it’s motivating. Every guy I’ve beaten has been on a winning streak. Every guy was coming off damn good wins when I beat them. I’m not going to change who I am or the way I promote fights just to get a title shot but I think I’ve done plenty to earn that shot. I’m ready to go if that’s what the UFC wants.”

Pedro Munhoz:
“There are no excuses for the loss. Raphael Assuncao is the strongest guy I’ve ever fought. I had a fight a month ago, then my camp was short but good enough to get the win. Raphael deserves to fight for the title. I landed good punches and kicks but he was really strong overcoming the pain when I caught him. I’ve fought guys with more experience, but Assuncao was stronger than me tonight. It’s my first lost, and I’m a little disappointed but this is not the last time you’ll see me. It’s a new beginning.”

SCORECARD

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