UFC Abu Dhabi: Kattar vs Ige has been full of exciting finishes. And the bantamweight showdown between Jimmie Rivera and Cody Stamann.
This was a short notice fight. So it took place at featherweight instead of bantamweight. However, the outcome of the fight would certainly impact the future of both fighters at the bantamweight division.
Going into the fight Jimmie Rivera was a slight favorite over very talented, Cody Stamann. However, Rivera gets it done via decision in a crucial matchup.
Rivera was coming from two huge losses against Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan. And he lost both the fights via unanimous decision. Petr Yan is now the bantamweight champion and Aljamian Sterling is the next in line for the title shot. And Rivera was not completely dominated by them. Though he was coming from two losses those were not bad losses if you look at the opponents.
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On the other hand, Stamann was coming from a huge win over Brian Kelleher after the demise of his younger brother. Unfortunately, things did not go in his favor as he suffers a decision loss against UFC veteran, Jimmie Rivera.
Jimmie Rivera is two more fights away from a potential title shot
The contest between Cody Stamann and Jimmie Rivera was a close one. However, Rivera was the busier man throughout three rounds, winning the fight on judges’ scorecards. But what’s next for both the fighters?
Rivera has some good opportunities ahead of him. It can be said that he is one or two fight away from a potential title fight since he had a competitive fight with the champion, Petr Yan. Jimmie Rivera will likely be at no 5 after the win over Cody Stamann. And he should be looking for a higher-ranked opponent after the impressive performance.
Raphael Assuncao seems a good matchup for Jimmie Rivera even if Assuncao is coming from the loss to Cody Garbrandt. Former title contender, Raphael Assuncao is battle-tested and an impressive win over him will make Rivera a serious contender for the title.
On the other hand, Cody Stamann should fight Song Yadong next. Song Yadong is coming from a win over Marlon Vera and is currently ranked number 13. However, these two have history between them. The first encounter ended in a controversial fashion and it only makes sense to run it back to find out who is the better fighter.
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Besides that, Cody Stamann might take a break from the octagon and rightfully so. He has had two fights since his younger brother passed away. And it might take him some time to get octagon ready again.
