Manny Gamburyan vs. Raphael Assuncao

TUF 5 finalist Manny Gamburyan(11-5) will finally make his return to the UFC, following a crushing loss to featherweight champion Jose Aldo at WEC 51. He is scheduled to face talented grappler Raphael Assuncao(16-3) at UFC 128.

Gamburyan’s rise through the featherweight ranks came out of nowhere after being bounced out of the UFC following 2 straight losses. Luckily Gamburyan made the necessary cut to 145, which not only kept his job with Zuffa intact, but it gave Gamburyan a better chance to compete with guys closer to his own size. Gamburyan proceeded to run off three straight victories, including a stunning 1st round knockout of Mike Brown, which ultimately led to Manny’s shot at the title.

Assuncao, bounced back from 2 straight losses to win his fight with L.C. Davis at WEC 52, in what turned out to be a loser leaves town match. Assuncao though, has failed to impress since signing with the WEC following a 12-1 record, 10 of those wins being finishes. Assuncao’s time is now, if he intends to have a future with the UFC.