Junior Assuncāo has earned black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Capoeira. His professional MMA career has led to extensive training in these disciplines as well as in Boxing, Judo, Muay Thai, and Wrestling. He has trained out of Black House gym in Brazil with the likes of MMA powerhouses Anderson Silva and Lyoto Machida. Junior's martial arts foundation is in Capoeira, a Brazilian fight system characterized by acrobatic sweeps, kicks, and head butts that rely heavily on core strength. Having trained under Mestre Delei for 12 years, Junior credits his success in the combat sports to this discipline. As an instructor, Junior incorporates many techniques from Capoeira, such as agility, balance, and practical strength.
Amateur career
Assunção holds an undefeated 2–0 record as an amateur, and made his debut on May 17, 2003, facing Scotty Johnson at ISCF: May Madness in Midtown. He won the fight via second round armbar. In his next amateur fight, Assunção faced Brendan Dumont at Submission Fighting Open 10 on February 6, 2004. He won the fight via guillotine choke, and would officially turn pro in April 2004.
With a 4–1 record, Assunção signed with the UFC in late 2006. Assunção faced rising star Kurt Pellegrino at UFC 64 on October 14, 2006. He lost the fight via rear-naked choke. In his next fight in the promotion, Assunção faced David Lee at UFC 70 on April 21, 2007. He won the fight via rear-naked choke. Assunção then faced Nate Diaz at UFC Fight Night 11 on September 19, 2007. He lost the fight via guillotine choke, and was subsequently released from the promotion
Xtreme Fighting Championships
After posting a 4–1 on the regional circuit, Assunção signed with Florida based promotion Xtreme Fighting Championships. He faced John Mahlow for the XFC Lightweight Championship at XFC 10: Night of Champions on March 19, 2010. He won the fight via guillotine choke, and vacated the championship to drop down in weight class and re-sign with the UFC.
Return to UFC
In 2011, Assunção re-signed with the UFC. He faced promotional newcomer Eddie Yagin in a featherweight bout on September 24, 2011 at UFC 135. Assunção went on to win the fight by unanimous decision. Assunção faced Ross Pearson on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. He lost the fight via unanimous decision and was subsequently released from the promotion.
Post-UFC career
Following his second release from UFC, Assunção faced Guilherme Faria for the PFC Featherweight Championship at PFC 2 on September 13, 2013. He won the fight via kimura. Assunção faced Alejandro Rodriguez at XFC International 5 on June 7, 2014. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
