Raphael Assuncao cruises past Bryan Caraway for 7th straight win

Raphael Assuncao knew going into his fight with Bryan Caraway that no matter what happened, he wasn't going to get the next crack at bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw.  That honor will go to former champion Dominick Cruz, who earned the show after destroying Takeya Mizugaki at UFC 178 last weekend.

Despite the discouragement from the change at the top of the division, Assuncao still got the job done against Bryan Caraway on Saturday winning by unanimous decision to extend his winning streak to seven and continue stalking a title shot in 2015.

Assuncao (23-5) has been flawless since dropping down to 135-pounds with a perfect 7-0 record including a victory over Dillashaw two fights ago.  Assuncao thought he was shoe in to earn a rematch now that Dillashaw has the belt, but Cruz's return threw a monkey wrench into his plans and he had to compete on Saturday night with zero guarantees about what comes next.

While the situation was undoubtedly disappointing, Assuncao got the job done by out striking Caraway nearly three to one over the course of three rounds.  Assuncao punished Caraway's lead leg with kicks from the opening bell to the final horn, but the former Ultimate Fighter competitor refused to go away.

For better or worse, Caraway continuously stalked forward going after Assuncao and did land a few solid combinations but it was the Brazilian's power and diverse striking game that made the difference.

When it was over, the judges all favored Assuncao, who gets the win and now awaits word on his next fight.  Assuncao clearly wants to face the winner of Dillashaw vs. Cruz, but considering the fight hasn't even been officially announced yet there's no timetable on when it may happen.

Assuncao may be better served taking a fight against former champion Renan Barao in the interim, but it all depends on timing.