Cory Sandhagen vs. Raphael Assuncao slated for UFC 241
A potential bantamweight #1 contender fight is reportedly set for UFC 241.
With sources relaying the news to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, rising prospect Cory Sandhagen will take on Raphael Assuncao on August 17th in Anaheim, California.
Sandhagen (11-1) has rapidly risen through the UFC’s 135 lbs division since signing with the promotion in 2018. Making his promotional debut just eight days after a fight for LFA, the 27-year old has gone 4-0 under the UFC with three of those wins coming inside the distance. Sandhagen most recently recorded the biggest win of his career as he defeated John Lineker via split decision at UFC Fight Night 150 in April.
Assuncao (27-6) meanwhile has been a permanent fixture at the top end of the UFC’s bantamweight division since the promotions merger with WEC in 2010. Moving down in weight class one year later, Assuncao has gone 11-2 at the bantamweight limit and holds wins over the likes of TJ Dillashaw, Marlon Moraes, Aljamain Sterling and Pedro Munhoz. The 36-year old suffered defeat in his last outing however as he was submitted in the first-round by Marlon Moraes in February.
UFC 241 is now scheduled to feature:
- Daniel Cormier (c) vs. Stipe Miocic – heavyweight title fight
- Yoel Romero vs. Paulo Costa
- Anthony Pettis vs. Nate Diaz
- Raphael Assuncao vs. Cory Sandhagen