An all-Brazilian bantamweight clash if now off the table for February 27th.
MMA Junkie reports that veteran Raphael Assuncao has withdrawn from his matchup with Raoni Barcelos for undisclosed reasons. The search is now on for a replacement opponent to take on Barcelos, who has had four fights scrapped just since 2019.
Assuncao (27-8) is on a three-fight losing skid, albeit all to top competition in the form of Marlon Moraes, Cory Sandhagen, and former champion Cody Garbrandt. Although he’s not had the best of times lately, Assuncao is still #10 in the official rankings.