World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) recently added a featherweight fight between company newcomers Rafael Assuncao (12-1) and Jameel "The Sergeant" Massouh (20-4) to its WEC 40 event, which is set for the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Ill., on April 5.
Assuncao -- the 27-year-old brother of UFC veteran Junior Assuncao -- was recently granted release from his contract with the Kentucky-based American Fight League (AFL) because of the upstart promotion's inactivity since appearing on the radar last year. He chose to sign on with the WEC after being courted by other promotions, including Bellator Fighting Championships.
The Brazilian will come into this bout riding a four-fight win streak, including an impressive showing with a first round knockout over 40+ fight veteran Joe Pearson in his last appearance at Ironheart Crown 12 in November 2008. He also holds notable victories over Joe Lauzon, Jorge Masvidal, James Birdsley and others.
His one career loss came by majority decision to former division number one contender Jeff Curran more than two years ago. He's a young, well rounded prospect with a ton of potential. Assuncao, however, won't get a cupcake in his first WEC fight.
"The Sergeant" is a winner of his last four fights as well, including a unanimous decision win over Ryan Healy in November. He's an aggressive fighter who has finished 80 percent of his wins before the final bell (nine by submission and seven via technical knockout).
This should be a high paced bout between two talented fighters looking to impress the WEC fans with strong debut performances.
WEC 40 will feature a main event 145-pound title fight between champion Miguel "Angel" Torres and challenger Takeya Mizugaki -- a late substitute for the injured Brian Bowles.
For the more on the WEC 40 fight card click here.
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