Irwin Rivera
Division: Featherweight
Result: Giga Chikadze def. Irwin Rivera via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
Record: (9-5 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Grade: C+
Stepping in on just a couple of days’ notice to compete a weight class higher than his usual bantamweight, [autotag]Irwin Rivera[/autotag] was up against it from the start against slick striker Giga Chikadze, but “The Beast” put up an admirable performance against a man tipped to make some waves in the UFC’s 145-pound division.
It was apparent from the start that Rivera had to overcome a significant height and reach disadvantage, but he fared well in the early exchanges as he hurdled a Chikadze low kick attempt and connected with a solid right hand.
Rivera blitzed in and out effectively through the first two minutes of Round 1, and fired off wild offense from unusual angles. But Chikadze was a little too seasoned for the newcomer and quickly worked out the debutant’s timing. Once Chikadze settled into his striking, it was an uphill battle for Rivera, as the Georgian striker used his range to pepper Rivera with strikes from distance. He was even dropped hard at the start of the final round but, remarkably, bounced straight back up and returned fire with punches of his own.
Rivera ended up losing all three rounds on all three scorecards, but the scores of 30-26, 30-27, 30-27 didn’t reflect the newcomer’s performance in a bout where he had weight, height, reach and preparation time disadvantages to battle in a last-minute assignment. Yes, Rivera lost, but with a seemingly endless gas tank, an indomitable fighting spirit, and a cast-iron chin, he showed plenty to suggest that he’ll be an exciting addition to the UFC’s bantamweight division.
Michael Bisping put it best on commentary, “I can’t wait to see him on a full camp.” Hopefully Rivera will get that chance, at his natural weight class, next time around.
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