SEPTEMBER 1, 2009
Junior Assuncao (8-4), one of the
newest additions to the SuckerPunch family, is a great
fighter, plain and simple. His brother, Raphael, is a
rising star in the WEC organization, and being a UFC
veteran himself, the Assuncao name is well-known and
well-respected in the fight community. Now Junior is
gearing up for a run back in the big show. But first,
Pride veteran Jadson Costa is standing in his way. We
spoke with Junior recently about his experience with the
UFC, what he’s up to now, and where’s he’s going in the
future.
Phil Lanides: How’s everything
going?
Junior Assuncao: I’m healthy, and I’m getting ready
for a fight in August for Shine Fights with Jadson Costa.
Phil Lanides: Costa’s a Pride
veteran who is known for his aggressive style, and comes
from the vaunted Chute Boxe Academy fight team. What’s your
plan going into the fight?
JA: I’m planning to bang with him. He’s got a very
aggressive style, but eventually, over the course of a
career, that goes away. As long as I can weather the initial
storm, I should be fine. I’m not concerned with him being
aggressive. I’ve fought a lot of good guys that are good in
multiple areas. So I’m not concerned with a guy that is good
in one area.
Phil Lanides: Please give the
fans a little bit of background on yourself
JA: I started training when I was 12, and my main
style is capoeira, which is the only martial art that was
actually created in Brazil (jiu-jitsu comes from Japan). I
started doing jiu-jitsu with [renowned BJJ black belt]
“Jacare” when I was 17, and earned my black belt in 2007 at
the age of 25. My gym, Ascension MMA, which is down in
Atlanta, GA, is where I train with my brother Raphael, who
fights in the WEC. I’ve also trained with American Top Team
and Black House, but now we’re trying to develop our own gym
and our own style.
Phil Lanides: You handed UFC
rising star Dustin Hazelette his first loss, and also
battled with Kurt Pellegrino and Nate Diaz in the UFC. What
was your experience with the UFC like?
JA: It was good. I just wish I had not had to build
up my experience there. Most guys that get there already
have a lot of experience, but I was only 5-1 when I had my
first fight there. In contrast, my brother was 13-1 when he
got to the big show. But I felt like I couldn’t say no. I
don’t mean any disrespect to the guys I faced there, but if
I was coming into the UFC now with the experience I have, I
would have beaten them. But I feel like I’m working my back
there little by little, and I will get there.
Phil Lanides: There have been
rumors that you want to fight Nate Diaz again. What are your
thoughts on that?
JA: I felt like I was just starting to find my rhythm
there, and that was my last fight in the UFC, so I would
love another shot at him. He just lost ( to Joe Stevenson at
The Ultimate Fighter Season 9 Finale), which I think brings
him just a little closer to a rematch with me. I don’t see
anything special that he does that I haven’t already dealt
with. He’s crafty, but I definitely feel like I can beat him
down if we fight again.
Phil Lanides: Is there anyone
else you have an eye on that you want to get in the cage
with?
JA: A few weeks ago, I was at a show in Florida, and
this guy, I don’t even know who he is, was staring me down.
I guess he recently won the lightweight final at The
Ultimate Fighter show [Ross Pearson]. But he was staring at
me, looking at me funny. I just figured he recognized me
from somewhere, but there was definitely some tension there.
I was about to ask him if he wanted to step outside and talk
in private, if you know what I mean. In Brazil, if you have
a problem with someone, you do ten minutes of all-out
fighting to take care of things, and I was about to offer
him that opportunity. Hey, I fought the winner of Season 5,
and would love to fight the winner of Season 9. I don’t want
to sound cocky at all; I’m just confident.
Phil Lanides: What are you
involved in right now?
JA: I’ve been in Richmond, VA for awhile, helping run
an MMA program with my good friend, Roberto Traven, at
Combat Sports Center. We want to build up a strong MMA
program here. They have good Muay Thai, but we’re trying to
bring a more well-rounded MMA game to the gym here. I’ve
been here for a couple of months, and I want thank the guys
at Combat Sports Center for their hospitality and
friendship.
Phil Lanides: Any message you
want to leave with your fans?
JA: I want to thank my fans and the guys at
SuckerPunch for all their support. I’ve been around Brian
Butler [the president of SuckerPunch] a lot lately, and I
see that he’s working hard for the fighters. I see him on a
daily basis, and he’s a hustler; he seriously works till 3
AM everyday! I appreciate his dedication. Fans, keep your
eyes open for me. I’m coming back to the top soon.
