MMA Jimmie Rivera set to headline UFC’s trip to Utica v. Marlon Moraes A win by either of these fighters could result in a shot for the Bantamweight Title by Daniel Yanofsky February 28, 2018 Fight fans, we got ourselves a good one here. After the UFC announced several bouts for their Fight Night card in Utica, it was believed that a main event wouldn’t be announced until later. It looks like there was a change of plans, as it was quickly announced that Jimmie Rivera will finally go one-on-one against Marlon Moraes. The Utica Observer-Dispatch was the first to announce the epic main event. It will be a true clash of two highly-touted bantamweights. New Jersey’s Rivera (21-1) has won 20 in a row, his last loss being in 2008 against Jason McLean at Ring of Combat 22. The one time ROC Bantamweight Champion is 5-0 in the UFC. He last fought at UFC on Fox 25 inside the Nassau Coliseum in July, beating Thomas Almeida via unanimous decision. Rivera had a long time to prepare, as both potential fights against Dominick Cruz and John Lineker at UFC 219 were cancelled due to separate injuries by his opponents. Rivera faces a tough opponent in Moraes (20-5-1), who is 15-1 in his career since 2011. He is currently on a two-fight win streak, defeating Aljamain Sterling at UFC Fight Night 123. If you recall, Moraes finished Sterling with a devastating knee to the temple. He has won nine fights via KO, while Rivera has only won four. Whether that plays a factor will make the fight very interesting. The winner of this bout may be on his way to to face the UFC Bantamweight Champion next. Whether that will still be T.J. Dillashaw is up in the air. It will truly feel like a contendership fight, as both fighters have been at each other’s throats for months. They finally settle it all inside the octagon. It is certainly a clash of styles, one the UFC is eying to be a Fight of the Night contender. If they play their cards right, it could be a true battle to remember. UFC Fight Night 131 will take place inside the Adirondack Bank Center on June 1. Tickets are expected to go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 6. Post Views: 1,100 The following two tabs change content below.BioLatest Posts Daniel Yanofsky Baseball Editor, Misc. Sports Editor. Covers all things combat sports (MMA, Pro Wrestling and Boxing). When he's not writing, Daniel hosts a podcast, The Main Event. Latest posts by Daniel Yanofsky (see all) Mets hire Luis Rojas to replace Carlos Beltran as manager - January 23, 2020 An Outsider’s 2020 Hall of Fame Ballot - January 21, 2020 A Wild Yo Sighting: Yoenis Cespedes participates in running, fielding and hitting drills - January 21, 2020 Following Conor McGregor’s win at UFC 246, is “The King” truly back? - January 20, 2020 Related Topicsjimmie riveraLocal AthletesmmaufcUFC Fight NightUFC Fight Night 131UFC Utica 1 Comment You must be logged in to post a comment Login Leave a Reply Cancel replyYou must be logged in to post a comment. Newsletter Subscription Can't Miss Posts! Women in Sports: NHL Network Host, Jackie Redmond by Nicholas Durst | posted on March 4, 2019 Women in Sports Interview Series: It’s a sure bet with Philadelphia native, Erin Kate Dolan (VIDEO) by Denise Gonzalez | posted on March 17, 2020 No Shame in Their Game – Female Mixed Martial Artists Use Onlyfans to Make Money by Brandon Berrios | posted on December 4, 2020 XFL Co-Owner Dany Garcia Talks Business, Serving Others at espnW Women + Sports Summit by Candace Cordelia | posted on October 23, 2020 From Paramus High School to CBS Sports, Spero Dedes is making waves in sports broadcasting by Sunil Sunder Raj | posted on October 27, 2020 More in MMA The Mockery of A Sport: Paul vs. Askren Jake Paul and Ben Askren are set to fight tonight, and as a fan... The Leverage Game: What’s Going on Between Jon Jones and UFC? After Francis Ngannou knocked out Stipe Miocic, fight fans everywhere were already excited about... Athletes and their “Charitable” Contributions The other day I was watching TV when I saw a commercial for Conor... Should the Holloway vs. Katter fight have been Stopped in the 4th Round? Dana White thought so… In my honest opinion, when it comes to sports there is nothing like watching... Before he deals with USADA, CSAC fines Jon Jones and revokes his license Knockout Artist Mairbek Taisumov To Face Evan Dunham At UFC 223