Raphael Assunção denies Moraes UFC debut success:

Huge win for the ever improving Assunção.

The featured bout of the UFC 212 Prelims, sees the promotional debut of former WSOF dominator Marlon Moraes, as he takes on fellow Brazilian and top ranked Bantamweight contender Raphael Assunção. A classic grappler versus striker matchup is sure to be on display, as the outlook of the 135lbs divison looks hugely intriguing regardless of result. Certainly a bearth of fire for 'Magic' Moraes against #3 Assunção.

Referee Osiris Maia was the third man in the octagon for this one as Moraes opened with a traditional Muay Thai leg kick at the beginning of the first round. Assunção fired back with a decent right hand, countering his compatriot before the latter scored a right of his own. A shot to the groin halted the action, as Moraes was using many feints to draw a reaction from Assunção. A tame double leg was easily stuffed by Moraes as Assunção looked for his BJJ early on here. Moraes tried and failed with an ambitious tornado kick before Assunção cracked with a solid right hand as the round ended. Close first five minutes.

The second round got underway with a close right uppercut from Moraes as Assunção pushed the pace early on. Moraes landed a clean straight as Assunção moved forward, before shooting Assunção to the body. Both men very tentative but accurate as we move into the latter stages of the second round. Good movement from Moraes opened up a chance for a wheel kick which ultimately missed, before landing a good counter left hand. Even closer second round.

The third and final round here in Brazil began with some more leg kicks from Moraes, really digging into the first, before a counter right hook momentarily dropped Moraes who was up straight after. Moraes was reaching at thin air with just two minutes of the final round gone, unable to utilise his footwork so far. A switch left kick to the body landed flush for 'Magic' Moraes as he began to look comfortable in the last couple of minutes. Marlon looked for an important single leg, but incredible takedown defence on display from Assunção prevented it, before a solid spinning kick scored for Moraes. A late flurry from Moraes looked to sway the judges as we go the distance. Competitive bout with Assunção proving successful with a split decision win.

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