UFC Results: Rivera Defeats Almeida In Fight Of The Night Candidate, Earns 20th Straight Win

On Saturday, the UFC returned to FOX with an intriguing night of fights in New York.

The main card opened with one of the top prospects in the bantamweight division, Jimmie Rivera, as he fought Thomas Almeida.

Almeida started the fight landing a few leg kicks. Rivera responded with some kicks of his own. Rivera then followed with a few punches. Rivera dropped Almeida with a punch. Almeida responded with engaging a clinch. Both fighters then began swinging punches. Rivera managed to knock Almeida down again with a punch, but Almeida got back to his feet. The round ended with Almeida landing a couple of jabs followed by a leg kick.

The second round started with Rivera shooting for a takedown, but Almeida stayed on his feet. Both fighters then began to once again exchange punches. Rivera appeared to land the harder and cleaner punches. Almeida managed to rock Rivera with a strong punch, but Rivera appeared to recover quickly. The round ended with Almeida gaining momentum.

The final round started with Rivera landing a takedown. Almeida eventually fought his way to his feet. Rivera then landed a clean left hand followed by a right. Almeida began to land strikes of his own, but Rivera had no issues retaliating. Rivera later engaged in a clinch against the cage, but Almeida fought his way free. Rivera landed a takedown in the final minute, but Almeida created a scramble to get back to his feet. The fight ended with both guys throwing and landing punches.

Official Result:

Jimmie Rivera def. Thomas Almeida by unanimous decision

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