Jimmie Rivera and Cody Stamann square off in a featherweight bout on the main card at UFC on ESPN 13 Wednesday at the UFC’s Fight Island facility on Yas Island, United Arab Emirates. The prelims kick off at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+, followed by the main card set for 10 p.m. ET.
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Rivera (22-4) is two inches shorter than his counterpart, but has a 4.5-inch reach advantage over Stamann (19-2-1). The last time we saw Rivera in action, he was suffering his second consecutive loss against Petr Yan – the current champion of the division – back at UFC 238 on June 8, 2019. It was Rivera’s second straight unanimous decision setback. He lost to Aljamain Sterling Feb. 17, 2019. The last time Rivera tasted victory was back on Sept. 8, 2018 at UFC 228 against John Dodson. So, it’s been a while, and Rivera is thirsty for a victory. One thing to note about Rivera, while he has a fairly strong upright game, seven of his past eight fights have ended up going the distance.
Stamann won an emotional unanimous decision against Brian Kelleher last time out on the UFC 250 card June 6, just days after learning his 18-year-old brother Jacob had passed away. Stamann’s teary interview after the victory made him an instant fan favorite. Since arriving at the UFC level he is an impressive 5-1-1. He is 12-1-1 across his past 14 pro bouts, too, so he isn’t accustomed to losing. He was submitted by Sterling at UFC 228 on Sept. 8, 2018, so the two fighters share a common opponent. That was also the last day Rivera won a fight.
Jimmie Rivera vs. Cody Stamann betting odds
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 6:55 a.m. ET.
RIVERA (-134) might be on a three-bout skid, but losses to the likes of Sterling and Yan – the cream of the crop in the weight class. It’s nothing to be ashamed about. Stamann (+110) is a good story, but he’ll have some trouble against a grinder like Rivera. The books overwhelmingly expect this one to go the distance at -323, so AVOID a WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE prop. You cannot risk more than three times your potential return. However, betting RIVERA BY DECISION (+125) is another good way to play this fight, and that returns plus-money rather than just betting the 2-way line straight up. Of course, if Rivera wins by KO/TKO or Submission, etc. …, you’re out of luck.
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