Jimmie Ernesto Rivera (born June 29, 1989) is an American professional mixed martial artist and bare-knuckle boxer, currently signed to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). Prior to signing with BKFC, Rivera competed in the UFC's Bantamweight division, and achieved status as a top 5 UFC bantamweight contender. Rivera has formerly competed for Bellator, the World Series of Fighting, CFFC and King of the Cage, where he was the KOTC Bantamweight Champion.
Background
A native of Ramsey, New Jersey, Rivera was a former Ramsey High School wrestler.
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
A Tiger Schulmann MMA product, Jimmie Rivera started his career in 2007 when he was 18 years old. After compiling an undefeated 7–0 record as an amateur within only two years, he moved to professional mixed martial arts.
As a professional, he fought only for New Jersey's promotion Ring of Combat before signing with Bellator in 2009.
Bellator Fighting Championships
Rivera made his debut on April 10, 2009, at Bellator 2 against Willie Gates. Rivera won via submission in the third round.
Rivera faced Nick Garcia on June 12, 2009, at Bellator 11. He defeated Garcia via unanimous decision.
King of the Cage
Rivera faced Abel Cullum on September 17, 2010, for the KOTC flyweight title. Rivera won via split decision (49-46 Rivera, 49-46 Rivera, 48-47 Cullum) after five rounds and became the new champion.
Rivera made a title defense against Jared Papazian on February 3, 2011. After five rounds he won via unanimous decision and retained his belt.
The Ultimate Fighter
Rivera appeared in the first episode of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Bisping vs. Team Miller. He lost via TKO in the second round against Dennis Bermudez during the entry round.
Return to Ring of Combat
Rivera returned to ROC on June 15, 2012, against Justin Hickey for the bantamweight title. He won the title via unanimous decision (30-27, 30–27, 30–27) in a three-round match.
Rivera defended his belt once against Joel Roberts on September 14, 2012.
Rivera was expected to face Anthony Leone on November 18, 2011. It was rescheduled to happen on April 27, 2012, but for undisclosed reasons the fight was scrapped.
Second Bellator run
Rivera faced Jesse Brock on December 7, 2012, at Bellator 83. He won via unanimous decision (30-27, 30–27, 29–28).
Rivera faced Brian Kelleher on April 4, 2013, at Bellator 95. He won via unanimous decision (30-27, 29–28, 29–28).
World Series of Fighting
Rivera faced Sidemar Honório on September 14, 2013, at WSOF 5. He was able to come through after taking a significant amount of damage in the first round, and managed to recover in the second and third rounds using his strength and wrestling skills. Rivera won the fight via unanimous decision (30-27, 29–28, 29–28).
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Rivera made his promotional debut and faced Marcus Brimage on July 18, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 72, replacing an injured Ian Entwistle. He won the fight via KO in the first round.
Rivera faced Pedro Munhoz on November 7, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 77. He won the fight via split decision.
Rivera faced Iuri Alcântara on January 30, 2016, at UFC on Fox 18. He won the fight by unanimous decision. The win also earned Rivera his first Fight of the Night bonus award.
Rivera faced Urijah Faber on September 10, 2016, at UFC 203. He won the fight by unanimous decision.
Rivera was expected to face Bryan Caraway on January 15, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 103. However, Caraway pulled out of the fight citing an injury, and Rivera rejected the replacement Marlon Vera due to the lack of rank and relevance in the division.
Rivera faced Thomas Almeida on July 22, 2017, at UFC on Fox 25. He won the fight by unanimous decision, extending his win streak to 20.
Rivera was expected to face Dominick Cruz on December 30, 2017, at UFC 219. However Cruz suffered a broken arm in training and had to pull out of the fight, and he was replaced by John Lineker. On December 24, Lineker pulled out of the fight citing a tooth infection. After a failed negotiation with Marlon Moraes in attempt to remain on the card, Rivera announced that he will not compete at the event.
Rivera faced Marlon Moraes on June 1, 2018, in the main event at UFC Fight Night 131. He lost the fight by knockout in the first round due to a head kick and punches. This marked the first time Rivera has been finished in his professional MMA career.
Rivera faced John Dodson on September 8, 2018, at UFC 228. He won the fight via unanimous decision.