Bantamweight ranked contenders Cody Stamann and Jimmie Rivera take center stage in a weight division above what fans usually see them in. The duo will meet in 3rd main card fight of UFC Fight Night: Kattar vs Ige. The clash is certainly one that will keep fans excited as both competitors try to find a foothold and rise as Featherweights.

Cody Stamann

‘Mr. Wonderful’ has jumped divisions multiple times in his near 9-year fighting career. He made his UFC debut at Featherweight too and beat Terrion Waire at UFC 213. Despite losing just once at Bantamweight to Aljamain Sterling, he opted to make the move up. Here at UFC 250, he took down Brian Kelleher to go 2-0 at the weight class in the UFC. 

Stamann has not claimed a stoppage win since signing with the promotion. The last of his 6 (T)KO wins came in 2017 at Knockout Promotions 55. The gap since his previous submission win is even longer. Hence it doesn’t seem likely that Stamann would throw caution to the wind and go for a finish, especially at a reach disadvantage against a fighter who has lost only to the very best.

Jimmie Rivera

Jimmie Rivera will make his debut at Featherweight. He has spent almost 12 months on the sidelines. On paper, this will be the 3rd different division he has competed in. However, at KOTC, 135 which is Bantamweight for the UFC was considered to be Flyweight. 

‘El Terror’ has seen his stock fall over the last 2 years. He headed to do battle with Marlon Moraes on the back of a 20 fight win streak. However, he got stopped in 33 seconds. He came back with a win over John Dodson at UFC 228 but has fallen to Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan via decision in 2019. 

These 3 fighters occupy the top 3 spots at Bantamweight. He has taken the champion and fighter who is recognized as the next challenger to the distance. 

Rivera has been averse to utilizing submissions to end fights. His last submission came at Bellator 2 in 2009. Furthermore, he has just 4 (T)KO wins in 22 fights. This combined with ‘Mr. Wonderful’s stats mean that fans can enjoy a 15 minute bout. 

Prediction for UFC Fight Night: Kattar vs Ige 

The duo has a combined 27/41 wins via the judges’ scorecards. They aren’t big on finishes or haven’t used them a lot in recent times. Stamann has momentum with his previous fight coming 5 and a half weeks back. However, Rivera has made the move up and is fresh and well-rested. 

He will be looking for a big result to announce himself at 145 and convince the world that he isn’t done yet. Despite Stamann having an unblemished winning record at Featherweight, he hasn’t faced an opponent of Rivera’s pedigree.

‘El Terror’ will use his superior reach to his advantage and get a lot of significant body strikes that could see his arm raised at the end.

Prediction: Jimmie Rivera to claim a unanimous decision win

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