In the first fight of UFC 128, featherweights Erik Koch and Raphael Assuncao locked horns in the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Koch was the underdog, but possesed a top notch guard and excellent, aggressive striking. Assuncao, on the other hand, is a tough, hard to put away veteran. Both were fighting for a higher spot on UFC cards.
Referee Kevin Mulhall officiated the action. After an early trade of leg kicks between both fighters, Koch even fired off a right hand that sent the Brazilian crumbling to the mat. According to Yahoo's Kevin Iole, "We may have the Knockout of the Night already."
This represents a huge win for Koch. Assuncao is a very talented veteran with strong defensive skills. He's hard to score on and hard to damage. For Koch to put away such a respected and talented fighter says quite a bit about his future.
UFC 128 results: Erik Koch defeated Raphael Assuncao via knockout at 2:32 of round 1.