12 Sensational UFC Bouts In March That You Must Watch
4. Raphael Assunção Vs. Cody Garbrandt - UFC On ESPN 8
It's amazing to think that only two years ago Cody Garbrandt was sitting atop the UFC's bantamweight division. Fast forward to the present day, and the former 135lb champion is on a three-fight losing streak in which he's been brutally knocked out in each fight.
His redemption story begins now, but it's not against an easy opponent. Raphael Assuncao is the longtime gatekeeper at bantamweight. If fighters were able to beat him, it usually put him them in-line for a title shot. While that's no longer the case as he's fallen down the pecking order, a win against the Brazilian will at least put him No Love back in the title conversation.
The problem with Garbrandt is that he's his own worst enemy. He knows that he's got concussive power in both hands and rushes into land the big shot. That works against lesser opponents, but against the more seasoned fighters who can see that sort of attacking coming their way, it usually leads to him being knocked out violently.
While Assuncao isn't quite the fighter he used to be, he's still smart enough to know that if he draws Garbrandt out just enough, his chin will be open to being hit.