Rivera promises highlight-reel fight
UFC middleweight Jorge Rivera is at peace with the idea that he’ll probably end his next fight with far fewer…
UFC middleweight Jorge Rivera is at peace with the idea that he’ll probably end his next fight with far fewer brain cells than before.
That’s the business he works in, and he loves his job.
“I feel like I’ve been blessed by something a lot of people wish they could do. I’m my own boss,” Rivera told MMAjunkie.com Radio “I don’t answer to anybody, which is awesome because that was the reason I had a hard time working for other people.”
Rivera (18-7 MMA, 8-5 UFC) meets pro-boxer-turned-MMA-fighter Alessio Sakara (15-7 MMA, 6-4 UFC) next Saturday at UFC 122 in a fight destined for the highlight reel.
But just whose highlight reel it will be is secondary to “El Conquistador.”
“I know very well I could be on my back looking up at the stars at the end of the night,” he said. “Let’s do it. Because I could very well do it to [him], too.”
UFC 122 takes place Nov. 13 at Konig Pilsener Arena in Oberhausen, Germany. Spike TV airs the event at 9 p.m. ET/PT on approximately a six-hour delay for East Coast viewers (and nine hours for the West Coast).
Rivera enjoys a three-fight winning streak that includes TKO victories over Nissen Osterneck, Rob Kimmons and Nate Quarry. He attributes his run to the guidance of his coaching staff, including renowned striking coach Peter Welch, and a willingness to let it all hang out when the octagon door closes.
“I know Alessio’s the same way,” he said. “I’ve got nothing but respect for Alessio. That’s why I asked for this fight. I know he’s coming.”
