Jimmie Rivera has emerged as the next top bantamweight contender after getting the better of Thomas Almeida at UFC on FOX 25 on Saturday on Long Island, N.Y.
While UFC bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt is expected to fight former titleholder TJ Dillashaw next, Rivera and Almeida both knew that the winner of their bout would be knocking on the champion’s door.
Almeida opened with a steady attack of leg kicks, but Rivera soon began to fire back with kicks of his own. They danced around the middle of the Octagon for a time, but Rivera finally found an opening for his right hand and dropped Almeida, but he was quickly back to his feet.
Remaining patient, Rivera timed his counters well and landed some solid body shots, which eventually set up another heavy right hand, again dropping Almeida. The Brazilian again was quick to regain his footing, but ate another right hand as he stood. Somehow, Almeida seemed to regain his senses and looked fluid as the opening round came to a close.
Rivera started strong in round two, enduring some heavy exchanges, but continuing to find a home for the right hand, looking like he might take Almeida out of the fight.