UFC 128 Fight Card Preview: Erik Koch Vs Raphael Assuncao
It's pretty disappointing that this fight likely won't make the air, especially after Erik Koch's spectacular headkick KO of Francisco Rivera at WEC 52. He's one of the top rising prospects at featherweight and fights out of the innovative Roufusport camp along with Anthony Pettis and Pat Barry. His brand of striking is going to be tough to deal with for someone like Assuncao.
This is a bit of a classic ‘striker vs. grappler’ matchup and I expect Assuncao to want to get his young opponent to the mat as soon as possible. If he can succeed, I think he can smother Koch with his top game and eek out a decision win. If Koch can keep this thing standing or consistently get off the mat to get the fight where he wants it, he should be able to catch Assuncao. I’m going with the 22-year-old kid.
