Raphael Assuncao: New Kid on The Featherweight Block

By Frank Curreri

Being short, Raphael Assuncao says cheerfully, has its high points.

“In Brazil they always say, ‘Tall women like little guys,’” the native of Forteleza, Brazil, explained.
Does he believe that to be true?

“Yeah man, for sure,” he continued. “I have a girlfriend now and she’s little like me. But before that, I always had good luck (with taller women).”

Assuncao is 5 feet 5 inches tall, which may bring advantages with sizzling Latinas of the opposite sex, but has some people curious to see how he’ll fare in the WEC’s featherweight division, which is stacked with fighters who have been known to be 5’10, 5’11 and even 6 feet tall. Thus far in his career, opponents have not exploited Assuncao (12-1) because of his limited size and reach. Instead, Assuncao has compensated for his compact frame with speed, power and a tenacious, non-stop attacking pace.

“I fought kickboxers earlier in my career and that gave me experience as far as fighting taller guys,” said Assuncao, 26. “My brother, Junior, is 5’9 and I spar a lot with him. I’ve sparred with some very tall guys and I’ve learned how to adjust my game . I’m a little guy and my little guy complex is not as big anymore, you know what I mean? My arms are pretty long for my size and my movement is really good. Maybe people will think I’m at a disadvantage on the feet. Taller guys might have an advantage on a jab or with a knee or an uppercut, but smaller guys can shoot a little quicker, we can kick the legs a little quicker and move a little quicker We can use that (shortness) to our advantage.”

Assuncao will be giving up 5 inches in height when he tussles with Wisconsin’s Jameel Massouh on April 5 in Chicago. Both men are making their WEC debut on the main, televised card and each excels at finishing fights. Asked his impressions of Massouh, a submission specialist, Assuncao kept his analysis at a minimum.

“The way I see it now, he has a similar style to the last guy I fought and beat, Joe Pearson,” said Assuncao, who knocked Pearson (30-13) out in 12 seconds flat of the first round. “(Massouh) might be more technical than Joe Peterson, but his reach, body type and standup style are very close to Joe Pearson’s. I did pretty good in that fight, so I’ve got the same strategy for this fight.”

Assuncao is a fighter who likes to stalk and swarm his opponents. While some fighters prefer stoicism, trying to conceal their emotions, Assuncao seems to fight with emotion and fury. Though he is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and a past winner of the Pan American Games, he is just as content punching people in the face from the top and on his feet. And if you have any questions whatsoever about the kid’s skills, know this: Assuncao owns a submission victory over widely-respected UFC fighter Joe Lauzon.

“My only loss was to Jeff Curran,” Assuncao said. “It was a pretty bad decision. “Afterwards Curran is talking about the fight … and he said, ‘Hey, I’m sorry, you won 100 percent.’”

Because he tends to be a highly emotional fighter, Assuncao has conscientiously tried to tone down his feelings in recent fights. But that is an ongoing experiment with mixed results.

“Sometimes I’m too calm when the first bell rings, I’m too relaxed,” he said. “So maybe in this upcoming fight I’ll be quick and a little more hyped, exploit the openings right off the bell. That’s what us lighter weights do anyway, that’s what we’re known for, getting right at it.”

There are a couple of rather interesting tidbits about Assuncao. First, he does not fight under a moniker though his older brother does have a nickname for him. Assuncao said he dislikes the nickname and does not want it made public. Second, Assuncao said he plans to retire in eight years – when he’s 34 years old.

Not 35, not 38, not 40 or 45. Why 34? What’s the significance of that age?

“I just think 34 is a good number I have in my mind,” he said.

Assuncao, who presently trains in Atlanta, said he is seriously considering training with American Top Team for his future fights.

“I’ll probably move,” he said. “Nothing is finalized but American Top Team would probably be the best bet.”