UFC Fight Island 8: Jerome Rivera talks big fight on Jan. 20
On Jan. 20, UFC Flyweight Champion Deiveson Figueiredo’s brother will make his UFC debut. With some huge shoes to fill, an exciting bout involving Jerome Rivera and Francisco Figueiredo is on deck.
The 25-year old, Rivera (10-3) is a Legacy Fighting Alliance veteran. Despite his young age, there has been noticeable evolution on display when Rivera makes the walk. Specifically, his scrambling ability is slick and has lead to some amazing finishes. For instance, Rivera showed how dangerous he was at LFA 80: Garcia vs. Mariscal. The New Mexican-born Rivera put a tough Kendrick Latchman away with a suffocating mounted triangle-choke.
Prior to his new assignment topped by Michael Chiesa and Neil Magny, Figueiredo (11-3-1) met his match with Eduardo Souza and went to a draw. Before that, he picked up a massive knockout over Manoel dos Santos at Jungle Fights 93. Paving his way on the Brazilian regional scene, Figueiredo certainly isn’t resting on the laurels of his brother. At UFC Fight Island 8, the hard-hitting Brazilian will have a chance to show the world his style and destiny differ from his brother’s.
Jerome Rivera and Francisco Figueiredo – Closer Look
After following up with Rivera in regards to fighting a big name like this, he spoke with MyMMANews.com staff and said:
“I think Francisco looks like a tough well rounded martial artist. Looks like a less polished and explosive version of his brother. That being said I don’t care” Not only that, but he reiterated that it could literally be anybody standing across him inside that cage, in fact, even UFC Flyweight Champion, Figueiredo.
“If it was his brother that I was fighting that night I am the sharpest version of myself I’ve ever been and there’s nothing this man can do to stop me from getting that victory.”
Additionally, the New Mexican bantamweight, went on to discuss how training has been recently. Mostly, he mentioned that the timing of this fight couldn’t be better. Typically, with so many of his bouts, he often fought a few days out from the holidays, but mentioned this time it’s different. Given the time he’s had to get ready, Rivera believes this is the sharpest version of himself.
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