The Film Room: Jimmie Rivera

Jimmie Rivera has his toughest challenge to date when he takes on Marlon Moraes Friday in the main event of UFC Fight Night 131 in Utica, New York.

Like his opponent Moraes, Rivera was touted as one of the best bantamweights outside of the Ultimate Fighting Championship before signing with the company in 2015. He has since amassed an 5-0 record inside the Octagon and is on the cusp of title contention. A win over a fellow contender in Moraes should see him in serious talks for the next shot at the title.

Tiger Shulmann’s Prodigy

Rivera began training in muay Thai as a child under one of the best coaches of this generation, Tiger Shulmann. He started his amateur mixed martial arts career at 17…