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Cody Stamann and Jimmie Rivera faced off in a Featherweight bout tonight (Sat., July 15, 2020) at UFC on ESPN 13 from inside “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. In a competitive bout, Rivera landed the heavier shots and earned the decision.
The two opened with a big exchange almost immediately. Rivera ripped a low kick, body punch, and head punch in a quick series. Rivera continued advancing, mostly targeting the leg as he cut off the Octagon. Stamann briefly caught a low kick and countered with a solid flurry. Just a moment later, Rivera caught a kick and cracked Stamann! He landed in top position for a couple seconds before Stamann powered back to his feet. Stamann stopped the next shot and nearly hit a switch, but Rivera was able to deny him full top position. Stamann clung to the back clinch and stomped the foot for a minute. Big low kick scored for Rivera on the break, followed by a solid counter combination.
Stamann landed a takedown at the start of the second, but again Rivera proved difficult to hold down, forcing his way back up along the fence. Once more, Stamann held onto the back clinch as Rivera fought hands. After a minute, Rivera was able to reverse his foe into the fence, and he score a double leg of his own! Rivera started working towards the back mount, but Stamann was able to stand. Stamann reversed position again, but he ate a left hook on the break. Rivera ripped the body with two punches. Rivera traded a low kick for a cross to the jaw. Two more low kicks landed for Rivera, and a solid left hook connected moments later. Stamann stuck his foe with a jab. Stamann landed a glancing jump knee, and Rivera landed a combination right back near the bell.
Rivera landed first in the third with yet another solid left hook, countering a Stamann blitz. Stamann timed a double leg very well, but Rivera’s excellent takedown defense held up. Rivera secured double underhooks and reversed position along the fence. Rivera landed a couple punches on the break. The two traded blocked head kicks, then Stamann scored with a left while eating a body hook. Good low kicks scored for Rivera. More low kicks! Stamann again timed a shot very well, but Rivera used the fence to defend once more. When Stamann went for the high-crotch takedown, Rivera threatened the guillotine to deny the shot. Rivera freed himself from the clinch, but Stamann landed first this time. Rivera countered with another big hook then dug into the leg. Rivera landed a cracking left hook direct to the jaw as the fight came to a close.
While the fight did spend an unfortunate amount of time pressed along the fence, the two combatants both showed off their high-level skills. However, Rivera consistently landed the cleaner punches, finding a home for his favored left hook repeatedly to sway the judges to his corner.
Result: Jimmie Rivera defeats Cody Stamann via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) (30-2
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