Raphael Assuncao is being way too overlooked, he could beat TJ again

[ExitLUPin]

TJ is the rightful favorite and most likely wins a decision. But it seems like no one is giving this guy a shot...........oommmmmmmmmm

Raph has great counterstriking some of the best counterpunches and counterknees in the division, solid kicks, great grappling and great footwork. Hes the most underrated fighter in the UFC and the clear #3 guy behind TJ and Dom. Their first fight was one of the best BW fights ever

Unless the injury has completely taken alot from Raph, TJ isnt gonna dance on him with his stance switching and get in and out of the pocket with ease. Raph is far more technical than Barao ever was and his footwork shits on Baraos.

TJ improved recently but his Barao 1 performance was literally 7 months after losing to Raph and he WAS with Bang and doing the same striking tricks hes been known for. Its not like this was TUF newb TJ who got KOd by Dodson.

If Raph is in the same for he was in pre injury he def has all the tools to win a decision.

 

[Leinster Rugby]

agreed, could happen. good analysis too IM Humble O

 

[Sgt Smith]

I agree. Great post, TS. Raphael should not be overlooked.

 

[MCMXCIX]

Yes he could. But he's been out for a long long time. And TJ has only gotten better! Not saying that Raphael hasn't! I just think TJ has the upper hand this time.

 

[JohnyBrabo]

While I haven't watched the fight in a long time I scored the first fight for TJ. Assuncao has been out a long time while TJ had 2 dominant wins over Barao and a razor thin loss to Cruz. I think Dillashaw stops him via strikes in the second or third round.

 

[VuvuzelaBzz]

I don't think he really "beat" TJ the first time around, as the third round was about as close as a round can get, with neither guy displaying a sense of urgency to win it. That said, Assuncao is a tough matchup for TJ, being an excellent counter-puncher with great TDD, and the fact it's a 3 round fight plays in his favour. Assuming he's back to 100% in terms of fitness, it's going to be a very interesting fight.

 

[Bend NvR Break]

Agreed he's not being given enough credit but TJ has been improving while Assuncao have been competing.

 

[Heathcliff Pang]

TJ's had 3 good performances for me, Barao 1&2 and Cruz. The rest of his fights have been kind of ordinary. He needs to bring it every fight if he's gonna stay at the top.

 

[HI SCOTT NEWMAN]

First fight was very close, should have been a draw really.

 

[mmaday4day]

After being dead wrong with Rockhold and RDA, I won't overlook any fighter anymore

 

[Bloodworth]

He could be who would want him to

 

[lordbrownmeat]

if he comes back as Cruz did, then yeah sure. TJ's a beast now though.

 

[MuyThaiElbows]

It is a very good fight and most are over looking it.

I thought TJ/Assuano 2 should have been Killashaw's first title defense. Now we're getting it at UFC 200.