UFC bantamweight contender Raphael Assuncao (23-4 MMA) will have to undergo surgery on his right ankle this Thursday in Atlanta.

Assuncao’s manager Danny Rubenstein confirmed the news to MMAFighting.com.

According to the report, Assuncao had injured his ankle back in December, but was told by doctors that the injury did not require surgery. However, he was recently forced to go back in a ‘boot’, this after he was informed that he had rushed back to training too soon and that his ankle did not properly heal.

After several weeks in the boot, Assuncao was eventually informed by doctors that he would require surgery on his ankle after all.

No timetable has been given for Assuncao’s return to the cage.

The Brazilian bantamweight standout is currently riding a seven-fight win streak, which includes a decision victory over current UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw, which occured in October of 2013.

With Assuncao now out for the forseeable future, who would you like to see Dillashaw fight next? Sound off Penn Nation!

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