Eduardo attempted a takedown to open the second but couldn't keep the fight on the ground. Eduardo used his superior Muay Thai skills to beat up the legs of Raphael Assuncao. Raphael tried to get the fight to the ground but Eduardo defended well. After more trading on the feet Assuncao was able to get the fight to the ground and was attacking from the back as the round ended.
Eduardo came out like a bat outta hell in the third knowing he had to finish the fight. Assuncao found his range as well and attacked with leg kicks and combinations with his hands. Raphael got the fight to the ground but was caught in a leg lock almost immediately. He escaped and began to work punches from the top. The left hands landed to the chin until finally the ref stood the fighters up. With a minute left Eduardo dropped Raphael with a big punch but couldn't finish the fight. Strong finish but it wasn't enough.
Raphael Assuncao looked good in victory tonight. He controlled the pace with his wrestling and was able to keep the Eduardo off balance. He is now 1-1 in the UFC and a fighter to watch at 135. Johnny Eduardo didn't look awful but didn't look good either. He just isn't ready for the UFC.
SBN coverage of UFC 134: Rio