UFC Norfolk results: Raphael Assuncao knocks out Matthew Lopez

Bantamweights  Raphael Assuncao and Matthew Lopez fought at UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs. Pettis. Here is how the fight went down.

Raphael Assuncao and Matthew Lopez were supposed to fight at bantamweight, however, Lopez missed weight. Lopez weighed in 3.5lbs over the bantamweight limit, forcing the fight to be changed to a catchweight fight. As punishment, Lopez forfeited 20 percent of his purse to Assuncao. Lopez entered the fight with a 10-1 record and ranked 13th in the division. At UFC 212, the 30-year-old knocked out Johnny Eduardo in the first round.

Assuncao (25-5) entered the fight as the fourth-ranked fighter in the bantamweight division. The Brazilian fighter has won two straight fights and nine of his previous 10 fights. In the past five years, Assuncao has only lost once, losing to current bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw at UFC 200.

Next: Top 30 MMA knockouts of all time

Round 1:

After touching gloves to start the round, both fighters circled the octagon, standing and trading punches and kicks. Lopez displayed an improved standup game according to commentator Paul Felder, winning many of the early exchanges with Assuncao. Following a Lopez leg kick, Assuncao responded with a left hand and a kick, followed by a left and right-hand combination. Lopez immediately came back with a left hand and leg kick. Assuncao caught a kick from Lopez and landed a right hand. Lopez landed the only takedown but Assuncao was able to escape.

FanSided scored it: Lopez 10-9

Round 2:

Assuncao came out of his corner more aggressive to start the second round, walking down Lopez, landing a right hand to the ear of Lopez. The Brazilian born fighter targeted Lopez’s lead leg, landing an inside kick that followed with a left hook. Assuncao again went after Lopez’s leg, landing two inside leg kicks. Lopez’s lead leg was darkening and swelling as the round progressed. Assuncao landed a straight right hand that he followed with another inside leg kick to Lopez’s lead leg. After Assuncao landed a right hand, Lopez landed his best punch of the round. Lopez landed a right hand that dropped Assuncao but not for long, as the Brazilian got up off the canvas almost immediately, landing a straight right before the round ended.

FanSided scored it: 10-9 Assuncao

Round 3:

Assuncao continued to attack the lead leg of Lopez, landing a powerful inside leg kick. The leg kicks forced Lopez to switch his stance and immediately landed a punch to Assuncao’s body. Despite changing stances, Assuncao continued to attack Lopez’s wide base, landing another lead leg kick. With Lopez backed up against the cage, Assuncao attempted a flying knee that Lopez was able to avoid. However, Assuncao was able to land a right-hand flush on Lopez’s chin, dropping him to the canvas. Knowing his opponent was out, Assuncao stopped himself from landing another punch as referee Keith Peterson ran over to stop the fight.

Official scorecard: Raphael Assuncao def. Matthew Lopez via knockout 1:50, Round 3

Quotes:

Following the fight, Assuncao was interviewed by Jon Anik and called out new bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw for a trilogy fight.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow