Last Tuesday (7), a video involving Raphael Assunção went viral on social media. In the footage, the formerUFC appears visibly excited and, despite being restrained by two individuals, spits towards a third man, with whom he supposedly had a previous disagreement. The scene took place during a jiu-jitsu event in Atlanta (USA).
After the footage circulated on the internet, the Brazilian used Instagram’s ‘stories’ tool to explain the incident. According to Raphael, the individual in question had applied an illegal blow to his knee during the jiu-jitsu championship and, after being ‘charged’, lacked respect and provoked the former UFC athlete. Given the scenario, the veteran confronted the man, but highlighted that he lost his balance and retracted his attitude, as the tournament was full of children participating.
“Brief message for those who saw the video in which I spit on the guy at the ‘IBJJF Open’ championship in Atlanta. This guy disrespected me on the mat, he illegally blew out my knee. So I said, ‘Hey, man, watch your movements.’ Then he replied that his gym is known for carrying out this type of attack. So I snapped and he said he could do a lot more than blow out my knee in the parking lot. Then I lost my temper and went after him, but he acted like a sissy. Long story short, this guy’s Instagram has it written: ‘We smoke weed and blow out knees’. And he told me that on the mat after being disqualified. That’s when I responded and, face to face, he acted like a girl. People separated us. I saw that there were children and women nearby, so I walked away. I regret and apologize for acting this way towards children and people around me. But I’m happy that I controlled myself from other unthinkable actions”, highlighted Raphael.
Career and retirement
Currently 41 years old, Assunção said goodbye to the UFC and the MMA professional in March 2023 – just over a season ago. At the time, the Brazilian was on a negative streak and the setback for Davey Grant was the last straw for his retirement announcement. At his peak, however, Raphael was part of the elite bantamweights (61 kg) of Ultimate and defeated big names in the category such as Aljamain Sterling, TJ Dillashaw, Pedro Munhoz and Marlon Moraes.
