Raphael Assuncao
Active 2011–present · rated in 4 editions · peak overall 83.0
Scouting report
A seven-fight UFC winning streak featuring victories over Aljamain Sterling, TJ Dillashaw, and Pedro Munhoz kept Raphael Assuncao a fixture in the bantamweight top five. Originating from Recife, Brazil, and fighting out of Ascension MMA in Georgia, Assuncao relied on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and counter-striking. His fight IQ and submission danger are reflected in an 88 BJJ and 86 Fight IQ.
Peak ratings
By edition
Assuncao built a winning streak at bantamweight that reached five fights, defeating Johnny Eduardo, Issei Tamura, Mike Easton, and taking a split decision over TJ Dillashaw in Barueri, Brazil at UFC Fight Night 29. His counter-striking, defensive wrestling, and submission setups are captured in an 82 Boxing and 88 BJJ rating across these matchups.
In 2014, Assuncao defeated Pedro Munhoz and Bryan Caraway by unanimous decision in Las Vegas and Halifax before an ankle fracture sidelined him for all of 2015. His technical positioning, takedown defense, and pacing against top contenders explain his 82 Boxing and 86 Fight IQ ratings during this stretch.
Assuncao dropped a decision to TJ Dillashaw at UFC 200 before rattling off three consecutive victories in 2017, defeating Aljamain Sterling by split decision, Marlon Moraes in Rio, and knocking out Matthew Lopez at UFC Fight Night 120 in Norfolk. His counter-punching and defensive timing justify his 82 Boxing and 86 Fight IQ ratings.
In 2018, Assuncao outpointed Rob Font at UFC 226 in Las Vegas before suffering a submission defeat in a rematch with Marlon Moraes in Fortaleza and a decision loss to Cory Sandhagen at UFC 241 in Anaheim. His composure, counter-striking defense, and mat fundamentals are reflected in an 81 Boxing and 84 Cardio rating across these bouts.
Raphael Assuncao, the quiet contender
Raphael Assuncao rarely got the attention of the champions he fought around, but he collected a long run of wins at bantamweight. He beat T.J. Dillashaw by split decision in Sao Paulo in 2013, though Dillashaw took the rematch. A Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, he combined patient counter-striking with good takedown defence. He is a reliable middle-tier pick who wins by technique.
Assuncao attribute by attribute
Boxing. Neat and accurate. He counters and rarely throws wild.
Kickboxing. Clean and controlled. He mixes in low kicks and uses angles well.
Wrestling. Sound. He defends takedowns well and can put people down when needed.
BJJ. The best trait. A black belt with real submission threats, and a strong base from the top.
Strength. Below the top of the division. He relies on technique.
Durability. Solid. He absorbed pressure across many rounds and remained stable.
Cardio. He worked at a steady pace across rounds.
Fight IQ. Smart. He plans carefully and adjusts to opponents.
The skill worth taking: BJJ
Grappling is the edge here. When the fight hits the floor he gives you real chances to finish, and the threat alone changes how opponents approach him. He does not need to win the striking exchanges, only survive them and keep the fight within reach of the mat.
Where it gets tougher: Strength
He lacks the size of some rivals. Strong wrestlers can lean on him, so pair him with a fighter who can take on power. If your roster leans on technique everywhere else, consider where the physical load on your team sits.
Keep exploring
Closest bantamweight profiles to Raphael Assuncao, measured by how near their peak attribute ratings sit across all eight categories.
- Mario Bautistabest cardio 89 · weakest strength 74
- Kyler Phillipsbest cardio 88 · weakest strength 74
- Urijah Faberbest wrestling 90 · weakest strength 76
- Pedro Munhozbest durability 92 · weakest strength 76
- Bantamweight division guide: how the whole division rates and who to draft from it.
- Grappling vs striking in the draft: a guide that fits Raphael Assuncao's strongest attribute, BJJ.
Draft Raphael Assuncao into your build
Raphael Assuncao enters the pool on any spin landing on bantamweight between 2010 and 2019. Spin, draft eight attributes, then simulate 25 fights.
Ratings shown are my own estimates, made with AI assistance and informed by how Raphael Assuncao is regarded by the MMA community. They are unofficial and do not constitute an assessment of Raphael Assuncao's real-world abilities. How the ratings are made. See the disclaimer below. Ratings and write-ups by Haaris A. Last reviewed 2026-09-30; spot an error? Tell us. Read our editorial standards.