In the final Prelim fight for UFC on FX 1, veterans Jorge Rivera and Eric Schafer met in a middleweight battle.At age 39, Rivera was able to pull off a second-round TKO in what will be his final MMA fight. What We’ll Remember about This Figh…
In the final Prelim fight for UFC on FX 1, veterans Jorge Rivera and Eric Schafer met in a middleweight battle.
At age 39, Rivera was able to pull off a second-round TKO in what will be his final MMA fight.
What We’ll Remember about This Fight
In what will go down as Rivera’s last fight, he was able to do what he’s done so much throughout his life, fight back through adversity.
Schafer was able to dominate the first round of this fight by scoring many takedowns.
Rivera fought his way back into the fight, though, showing just how much heart he has.
Rivera was able to stuff a takedown in the second and landed some hard shots that were left unanswered by Schafer.
What We Learned about Jorge Rivera
We learned that Rivera has heart and continues to come back from adversity.
Rivera was able to adjust and come back in this fight much like he has so much throughout his life.
He may not have been one of the UFC’s top fighters, but Rivera left us with some memorable moments, including the war of words leading up to his grudge match with Michael Bisping.
What We Learned about Eric Schafer
Eric Schafer showed great wrestling in the first round of the fight.
But once he got hit by Rivera, he could not answer back.
Schafer has OK wrestling and grappling, but he is not that well-rounded.
What’s Next for Rivera?
Rivera can now ride into the sunset on a high note, something that many fighters don’t get to do.
Rivera can now focus on family and training others.
What’s Next for Schafer?
Schafer has now lost his second straight fight and is 1-4 in his last five.
If the UFC decides to keep Schafer, a matchup with “Filthy” Tom Lawler or Dan Miller could be next with the loser being cut.
Filed under: UFC, NewsJorge Rivera is going out a winner.
In the 29th fight of his mixed martial arts career, Rivera won by second-round technical knockout over Eric Schafer at Friday night’s UFC on FX event. And Rivera announced that when he walked o…
In the 29th fight of his mixed martial arts career, Rivera won by second-round technical knockout over Eric Schafer at Friday night’s UFC on FX event. And Rivera announced that when he walked out of the Octagon, it would be the last time.
“I’m grateful I fought in front of a lot of great people,” Rivera said afterward. “It’s been a real nice trip. It’s been good for me. Thank you.”
It appeared in the first round like Rivera would go out a loser: Schafer took him down and got the better of him for most of the first round, and Rivera was struggling to get any offense going as Schafer controlled the fight.
But in the second round Rivera turned things around by pulling free of a low single-leg takedown attempt and jumping on top of Schafer on the ground. Once he got on top, Rivera did what he has done in many of his best UFC performances, simply hitting his opponent in the head until the fight was over. Rivera’s ground and pound was impressive, and Schafer didn’t have an answer for it.
Rivera, who will turn 40 next month, retires with a career record of 20-9. He’s had an honorable MMA career, and he left it with a win, receiving a loud ovation and walking out of the Octagon with a grin on his face.
This is the UFC on FX live blog for all the preliminary bouts televised on FUEL in support of tonight’s FX card from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.
Round 1: Denis throwing a series of combos early. Sandoval getting tagged. Fighting in close and Denis lands a series of elbows from a Thai clinch that put Sandoval’s lights out. A quick ending to start the night.
Winner: Nick Denis via KO, Rd. 1 (0:22)
Daniel Pineda vs. Pat Schilling
Round 1: Both fighters are making their UFC debuts. The duo exchange kicks to the lead leg to start the action. Pineda takes Schilling down from a body lock and moves right into mount. After some ground and pound, Schilling gives his back. Schilling gets to his feet with Pineda on his back, but Pineda sinks in a rear naked choke and digs in his hips, pulling Schilling backwards and down. The choke is sunk, and it’s a wrap.
Winner: Daniel Pineda via rear naked choke, Rd. 1 (1:37)
Fabricio Camoes vs. Tommy Hayden
Round 1: Hayden staggers Camoes briefly with a stiff jab. Camoes shoots in but Hayden sidesteps him and gets free. In a scramble, Hayden takes Camoes back and drags him down. Camoes hunts a kimura, but Hayden works free. Back to their feet. Camoes initiates a clinch and they end up back on the ground, Hayden on top in half-guard. Camoes tries an oma plata. Hayden works free but sweeps Hayden down. Camoes lands punches from the top. Hayden gives up his back. Camoes digs in for the rear naked choke. Hayden looked like he was tapping but the ref let the action go on. Camoes regripped it and then got the tap.
Winner: Fabricio Camoes via rear naked choke, Rd. 1 (4:03)
Charlie Brenneman vs. Daniel Roberts
Round 1: After a long stretch between fights, we’re finally back to action. Roberts drills Brenneman with a left hand but gets taken down for his troubles. Brenneman moves to side mount but only briefly as Roberts stays active on the bottom. Brenneman with short strikes from the top, and back into side mount. He traps Roberts’ left arm in a crucifix and starts laying the leather. Roberts works his arm free but Brenneman retains the position. Brenneman with some knees to the body and peppering Roberts with punches. Nothing big enough to threaten a stoppage, but enough to keep the position. Roberts gets back to his feet with 10 seconds left but Brenneman slams him down. It’s Brenneman’s round 10-9.
Round 2: Roberts comes out with a left high kick early. It doesn’t land flush. Brenneman tries a takedown, Roberts attempts a guillotine, well defended. Brenneman on top again, and works into side control, and into the crucifix again. Roberts works back to a neutral position and ties Brenneman up, leading to a standup. Brenneman wastes no time going low again. Roberts goes for a kimura, then tries to get to his opponent’s back. Then he slickly transitions to an inverted triangle. There are just seconds left and he can’t tighten it up enough for the tap before the horn. It’s still Brenneman’s round, 10-9.
Round 3: Roberts is on his back again within the opening 20 seconds. Brenneman is mostly having his way with Roberts on the ground. His strikes aren’t shaking the cage, but it’s enough to score points and keep Roberts from throwing up sub attempts. Midway through the round, ref Herb Dean stands them up. On the restart, Roberts goes for the takedown but Brenneman defends and ends up on top. It’s an effective smothering by him. Roberts hunts a kimura as time runs low. He pulls Brenneman’s arm out but can’t torque it enough to force the tap. It’s Brenneman with the shutout, 10-9.
Winner: Charlie Brenneman via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Kamal Shalorus
Round 1: Nurmagomedov is an undefeated 23-year-old who has never fought in a cage before. Nurmagomedov looks a bit uncomfortable early, circling against the fence keeping a distance. Shalorus takes the center of the cage. Out of nowhere, Nurmagomedov lands a right hand that floors Shalorus. Nurmagomedov pours it on as Shalorus tries to keep moving and out of trouble. Ref Mario Yamasaki looks them over but Shalorus is defending well enough to allow the fight to continue. Nurmagomedov’s strikes come from unorthodox angles but land. They’re back to their feet with 45 seconds left. Both men throwing haymakers but it’s Nurmagomedov landing the bigger blows. It’s his round 10-9.
Round 2: Shalorus looks a takedown, Nurmagomedov defends and instead puts him on his back against the cage. Nurmagomedov moves to half-guard with his ground and pound. The ref stands them up with three minutes left. Nurmagomedov shoots low for a takedown and puts Shalorus down again. Shalorus keeps his hips active, not allowing Nurmagomedov to land anything significant, but he can’t escape from being underneath. The ref restarts them again. Nurmagomedov lands a left uppercut as the round ends. It’s his round again, 10-9.
Round 3: Shalorus is trying to measure an overhand right to end things, probably knowing he’s down on the scorecards. Nurmagomedov went for a single leg and Shalorus countered with a guillotine that was never close. Nurmagomedov mounts with 3:00 left and sinks in a choke. Shalorus taps with a quickness.
Winner: Khabib Nurmagomedov via rear naked choke, Rd. 3 (2:08)
Jorge Rivera vs. Eric Schafer
Rivera has announced that win or lose, this will be the last fight of his decade-long career.
Round 1: Rivera tries to let his hands go early but Schafer ducks under a right hand and puts Rivera on his back. No surprise as Schafer wants to be on the ground at all times, and even more so against a big puncher. Schafer to half-guard as he throws elbows from the top. Rivera uses a whizzer to get to his feet. They’re engaged against the fence with Schafer trying to go low, and he successfully scores another takedown. Schafer with a big right from the top as Rivera tried to escape. Schafer worked to get the mount but Rivera wouldn’t allow it and ended up on top. Schafer had an oma plata and was throwing elbows from the bottom as the round ended. Schafer, 10-9.
Round 2: Schafer is tenacious in trying to get the fight to the ground. Rivera sprawls and lands a hard right hand that cuts Schafer. Rivera swarms from the top with right hands. Schafer tries to cover up but Rivera continues unloading with right hands to the head and ref Herb Dean has no choice but to stop it.
Rivera drops down and kisses the mat as the fans chant “Jorge.” A nice ending to his career. He retires with a 20-9 overall record, and 8-7 in the UFC.
Winner: Jorge Rivera via TKO, Rd. 2(1:31)
“I’m grateful,” Rivera said afterward. “I’m grateful that I fought here in front of a lot of people. I met a lot of great people. It’s been a real nice trip. It’s been real good to me. I’m extremely grateful. Thank you.”
This is the UFC on FX live blog for all the preliminary bouts televised on FUEL in support of tonight’s FX card from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.
Round 1: Denis throwing a series of combos early. Sandoval getting tagged. Fighting in close and Denis lands a series of elbows from a Thai clinch that put Sandoval’s lights out. A quick ending to start the night.
Winner: Nick Denis via KO, Rd. 1 (0:22)
Daniel Pineda vs. Pat Schilling
Round 1: Both fighters are making their UFC debuts. The duo exchange kicks to the lead leg to start the action. Pineda takes Schilling down from a body lock and moves right into mount. After some ground and pound, Schilling gives his back. Schilling gets to his feet with Pineda on his back, but Pineda sinks in a rear naked choke and digs in his hips, pulling Schilling backwards and down. The choke is sunk, and it’s a wrap.
Winner: Daniel Pineda via rear naked choke, Rd. 1 (1:37)
Fabricio Camoes vs. Tommy Hayden
Round 1: Hayden staggers Camoes briefly with a stiff jab. Camoes shoots in but Hayden sidesteps him and gets free. In a scramble, Hayden takes Camoes back and drags him down. Camoes hunts a kimura, but Hayden works free. Back to their feet. Camoes initiates a clinch and they end up back on the ground, Hayden on top in half-guard. Camoes tries an oma plata. Hayden works free but sweeps Hayden down. Camoes lands punches from the top. Hayden gives up his back. Camoes digs in for the rear naked choke. Hayden looked like he was tapping but the ref let the action go on. Camoes regripped it and then got the tap.
Winner: Fabricio Camoes via rear naked choke, Rd. 1 (4:03)
Charlie Brenneman vs. Daniel Roberts
Round 1: After a long stretch between fights, we’re finally back to action. Roberts drills Brenneman with a left hand but gets taken down for his troubles. Brenneman moves to side mount but only briefly as Roberts stays active on the bottom. Brenneman with short strikes from the top, and back into side mount. He traps Roberts’ left arm in a crucifix and starts laying the leather. Roberts works his arm free but Brenneman retains the position. Brenneman with some knees to the body and peppering Roberts with punches. Nothing big enough to threaten a stoppage, but enough to keep the position. Roberts gets back to his feet with 10 seconds left but Brenneman slams him down. It’s Brenneman’s round 10-9.
Round 2: Roberts comes out with a left high kick early. It doesn’t land flush. Brenneman tries a takedown, Roberts attempts a guillotine, well defended. Brenneman on top again, and works into side control, and into the crucifix again. Roberts works back to a neutral position and ties Brenneman up, leading to a standup. Brenneman wastes no time going low again. Roberts goes for a kimura, then tries to get to his opponent’s back. Then he slickly transitions to an inverted triangle. There are just seconds left and he can’t tighten it up enough for the tap before the horn. It’s still Brenneman’s round, 10-9.
Round 3: Roberts is on his back again within the opening 20 seconds. Brenneman is mostly having his way with Roberts on the ground. His strikes aren’t shaking the cage, but it’s enough to score points and keep Roberts from throwing up sub attempts. Midway through the round, ref Herb Dean stands them up. On the restart, Roberts goes for the takedown but Brenneman defends and ends up on top. It’s an effective smothering by him. Roberts hunts a kimura as time runs low. He pulls Brenneman’s arm out but can’t torque it enough to force the tap. It’s Brenneman with the shutout, 10-9.
Winner: Charlie Brenneman via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Kamal Shalorus
Round 1: Nurmagomedov is an undefeated 23-year-old who has never fought in a cage before. Nurmagomedov looks a bit uncomfortable early, circling against the fence keeping a distance. Shalorus takes the center of the cage. Out of nowhere, Nurmagomedov lands a right hand that floors Shalorus. Nurmagomedov pours it on as Shalorus tries to keep moving and out of trouble. Ref Mario Yamasaki looks them over but Shalorus is defending well enough to allow the fight to continue. Nurmagomedov’s strikes come from unorthodox angles but land. They’re back to their feet with 45 seconds left. Both men throwing haymakers but it’s Nurmagomedov landing the bigger blows. It’s his round 10-9.
Round 2: Shalorus looks a takedown, Nurmagomedov defends and instead puts him on his back against the cage. Nurmagomedov moves to half-guard with his ground and pound. The ref stands them up with three minutes left. Nurmagomedov shoots low for a takedown and puts Shalorus down again. Shalorus keeps his hips active, not allowing Nurmagomedov to land anything significant, but he can’t escape from being underneath. The ref restarts them again. Nurmagomedov lands a left uppercut as the round ends. It’s his round again, 10-9.
Round 3: Shalorus is trying to measure an overhand right to end things, probably knowing he’s down on the scorecards. Nurmagomedov went for a single leg and Shalorus countered with a guillotine that was never close. Nurmagomedov mounts with 3:00 left and sinks in a choke. Shalorus taps with a quickness.
Winner: Khabib Nurmagomedov via rear naked choke, Rd. 3 (2:08)
Jorge Rivera vs. Eric Schafer
Rivera has announced that win or lose, this will be the last fight of his decade-long career.
Round 1: Rivera tries to let his hands go early but Schafer ducks under a right hand and puts Rivera on his back. No surprise as Schafer wants to be on the ground at all times, and even more so against a big puncher. Schafer to half-guard as he throws elbows from the top. Rivera uses a whizzer to get to his feet. They’re engaged against the fence with Schafer trying to go low, and he successfully scores another takedown. Schafer with a big right from the top as Rivera tried to escape. Schafer worked to get the mount but Rivera wouldn’t allow it and ended up on top. Schafer had an oma plata and was throwing elbows from the bottom as the round ended. Schafer, 10-9.
Round 2: Schafer is tenacious in trying to get the fight to the ground. Rivera sprawls and lands a hard right hand that cuts Schafer. Rivera swarms from the top with right hands. Schafer tries to cover up but Rivera continues unloading with right hands to the head and ref Herb Dean has no choice but to stop it.
Rivera drops down and kisses the mat as the fans chant “Jorge.” A nice ending to his career. He retires with a 20-9 overall record, and 8-7 in the UFC.
Winner: Jorge Rivera via TKO, Rd. 2(1:31)
“I’m grateful,” Rivera said afterward. “I’m grateful that I fought here in front of a lot of people. I met a lot of great people. It’s been a real nice trip. It’s been real good to me. I’m extremely grateful. Thank you.”
The frantic pace of UFC events and the multitude of FOX-owned cable networks on which to show those events has at least one upside: more fights means a greater demand for fighters. In turn, that might mean that some of the pressure to win, win, win jus…
The frantic pace of UFC events and the multitude of FOX-owned cable networks on which to show those events has at least one upside: more fights means a greater demand for fighters. In turn, that might mean that some of the pressure to win, win, win just to stay in the UFC will slacken just a tad, though I wouldn’t bet on it.
The UFC is still in the business of rewarding winners and jettisoning losers. As we’ve seen lately, there is a place for guys who put on a good show even in defeat. It’s just still unclear what that place is. The UFC might need guys to fill out these FX and FUEL TV fight cards, but it’s not as if there’s a shortage of MMA fighters who want a shot in the big leagues. When in doubt, it’s best to win and keep your neck off the chopping block.
So who needs a victory in a bad, bad way on Friday night’s UFC on FX card, and what are their chances of getting it? For answers, we turn to the Cut List.
Pat Barry (6-4, 3-4 UFC) Who he’s facing: Christian Morecraft Why he’s in danger: First off, let me say that I like Barry. I like him as a person, and I enjoy watching him fight. This is his eighth fight in the UFC, and he’s yet to have a boring or even mediocre one. That said, Pat Barry needs to win. He’s lost two straight, and three of his last four. This trend simply cannot continue much longer. The tough part is, it’s not like he’s getting outclassed. He had Cheick Kongo all but knocked out before that one slipped away, and he seemed to be well on his way to beating Cro Cop before he broke almost every bone that he needed for that fight. I know every fighter has to deal with his share of bad luck now and then, but the way Barry’s career has been going I’m started to suspect he hit a gypsy with his car or built his gym on top of an Indian burial ground. The good news is, he’s well liked by fans and has the guns-a-blazing style that the UFC loves. It seems like just about everybody wants him to be successful, and how could you not? Just read this, this, and this, and then try and tell me he’s not the most down-to-earth, self-aware fighter in the UFC. But if you’re going to stay in the UFC, you have to win some fights. Eventually even the nice guys run out of second chances. Outlook: Cautiously optimistic. He should beat Morecraft, who has a size but not a skill advantage over him. Even if he doesn’t, I predict at least one more go-round for Barry. He’s too much fun to have around for the UFC to cast him out before it absolutely has to.
Jorge Rivera (18-9, 7-7 UFC) Who he’s facing: Eric Schafer Why he’s in danger: Rivera had the best run of his UFC career in 2009/10, beating a trio of guys who have since left the organization to seek their fortunes elsewhere. His current two-fight skid began with the TKO loss to Michael Bisping, which you could argue was a very raw deal in many respects, then continued with a split decision loss to Constantinos Philippou. That rough stretch has dropped him from co-main event territory to the prelim portion of a Friday night fight card. Where’s the next stop if he can’t halt his fall there? The 39-year-old Rivera would probably rather not find out. Outlook: Hopeful, but fading fast. It’s Rivera’s age more than his record that gives one pause. He’ll be 40 next month, and his is not a fighting style that tends to age well. Maybe he can beat Schafer, but even then, how much time is left on the clock? Rivera’s a good dude and a tough fighter, but no one gets to do this forever.
Eric Schafer (12-6-2, 3-5 UFC) Who he’s facing: Jorge Rivera Why he’s in danger: If you’re like me, you reacted to the news of this pairing by shouting out loud, ‘Hold up, Eric Schafer’s still in the UFC?!’ Then, when the grouchy librarian came over to tell you that you had to either be quiet or leave, you used your remaining seven minutes of internet time to research Schafer’s recent career stats in search of an answer. Turns out he’s been victorious just three times in his eight trips inside the Octagon, and all three of those opponents were booted from the UFC immediately after losing to him. Granted, Houston Alexander was later brought back for a fight with Kimbo Slice, but that doesn’t change the fact that, thus far in his MMA career, Schafer has been the guy who helps the UFC decide if you should be fired or not. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a place for that. But what happens when that guy loses? Better yet, what happens when that guy hasn’t won a fight in the UFC in three years, and the last person he beat in the Octagon then went on to lose five of his next seven in the smaller shows? The last time Schafer lost two in a row, he got cut. Then he won one fight outside the UFC before coming back to lose to Aaron Simpson at the start of his current stay. If he can’t beat Rivera, that’s another two-fight skid for Schafer. He’s been around this sport long enough to know what that would mean for his career. Outlook: Grim. Look, this is a winnable, though by no means easy fight for him. What it definitely isn’t is a losable fight. Not if he wants to stick around.
Daniel Roberts (12-3, 3-3 UFC) Who he’s facing: Charlie Brenneman Why he’s in danger: Roberts got off to a rough start in the UFC with a brutal KO loss to John Howard, but then he rebounded with three straight victories — two by submission. That led to a step up in competition, which in turn led to some hard times for Mr. Roberts. After losing back-to-back decisions to Claude Patrick and Rich Attonito, he now finds himself just one loss away from the dreaded three-fight skid. The worst part is, not many people expect him to win this one. Brenneman is a 3-1 favorite according to most oddsmakers, and the bout itself is stuck in the middle of the FUEL TV prelims. With his 3-3 mark in the organization, this bout feels like a fork in the road for Roberts, who has some genuine talent. You just wonder if he’s good enough to stay at this level. You also wonder how many chances the UFC will give him to prove it. Outlook: Slightly pessimistic. Brenneman is a tough draw for a guy in Roberts’ shoes, but that’s life in the UFC. As long as he’s upright and conscious, he’s got a chance to pull off the upset and turn this thing around. If he doesn’t, he might be headed straight off a cliff.
(I got blood on my hands and there’s no remorse, I got blood on my…well, you get the point.)
We’ll be completely honest, folks, it has been awhile since the official CagePotato Parlay has shown us a return worth getting excited about, or any return for that matter. Bill collectors were ignored, drugs were peddled, and we even had to turn a trick or two to solve our gambling debts, but as they say, it is always darkest before the dawn. Last week, we actually managed to end up in the green, so what better opportunity to keep the ball rolling than the UFC’s debut on FX tomorrow? Check out the betting lines, courtesy of BestFightOdds, along with our advice below.
Undercard
Nick Denis (-240) vs. Joseph Sandoval (+200)
Daniel Pineda (-120) vs. Pat Schilling (EV)
Fabricio Camoes (-325) vs. Tom Hayden (+265)
Kamal Shalorus (-135) vs. Habib Nurmagomedov (+115) Charlie Brenneman (-300) vs. Daniel Roberts (+250)
Eric Schafer (-155) vs. Jorge Rivera (+135)
Thoughts…
(I got blood on my hands and there’s no remorse, I got blood on my…well, you get the point.)
We’ll be completely honest, folks, it has been awhile since the official CagePotato Parlay has shown us a return worth getting excited about, or any return for that matter. Bill collectors were ignored, drugs were peddled, and we even had to turn a trick or two to solve our gambling debts. But as they say, it is always darkest before the dawn. Last week, we actually managed to end up in the green, so what better opportunity to keep the ball rolling than the UFC’s debut on FX tomorrow? Check out the betting lines, courtesy of BestFightOdds, along with our advice below.
Undercard
Nick Denis (-240) vs. Joseph Sandoval (+200)
Daniel Pineda (-120) vs. Pat Schilling (EV)
Fabricio Camoes (-325) vs. Tom Hayden (+265)
Kamal Shalorus (-135) vs. Habib Nurmagomedov (+115) Charlie Brenneman (-300) vs. Daniel Roberts (+250)
Eric Schafer (-155) vs. Jorge Rivera (+135)
Thoughts…
The Main Event: Here’s what we know; Melvin Guillard may just be the hardest hitting 155er in the UFC, and has greatly improved his takedown defense over the years. What we also know is that Melvin recently decided to leave the team responsible for his recent success to join a camp that allowed Anthony Johnson to show up twelve pounds overweight at the UFC 142 weigh-ins. Oh yeah, and he doesn’t exactly have a ground game worth bragging about, and against a Jiu-Jitsu ace like Miller, that spells trouble.
On the contrary, Jim Miller is a smart, well rounded fighter who has been impossible to knock out thus far in his career. Is that saying Melvin can’t knock him out? Well, allow us to answer that question with a question; did anyone expect Guillard to steamroll Evan Dunham like he did? That being said, Miller is the worst kind of match-up for Guillard, and he should be able to snatch up a submission within three rounds.
The Good Dogs: Off the bat, Jorge Rivera looks good at +135. Though he’s dropped two straight, he’s got some serious power in his punches, and is facing a consistent UFC under-performer in Eric Schafer. This one really depends on whether or not “Red” can get it to the mat; if Jorge can stick-and-move, he’s got this one. Another name that stands out is one you probably won’t recognize, Habib Nurmagomedov. The man is 16-0 with an even KO to submission ratio, and is facing a toguh but flawed fighter in Kamal Shalorus. “The Price of Persia” has not fought since being TKO’ed by Jim Miller nearly a year ago, and though he may have some big league experience on “The Nurm” (official CP nickname), he also has some HUGE holes in his stand up game.
Also, several other gambling sites have Josh Neer listed as a slight underdog to Duane Ludwig at the moment, which could net you a small profit with a lone bet. Neer has a much better ground game, an arguably better gas tank, and only been stopped by strikes once in his career. Placing a small bet on “The Dentist” doesn’t seem like a terrible idea, but keep that one away from your parlay.
Tread Lightly: When placing your bet on Pat Barry. Don’t get us wrong, if Stefan Struve and Matt Mitrione were able to stop Christian Morecraft in the fashion they did, then “HD” should by all means have his way with him. But anyone who possesses a basic submission knowledge poses a threat to Barry *cough* Tim Hague, anyone?* We still like him to win, but aren’t going to bet the house on this one. He makes a nice addition to a parlay though.
Official CagePotato Parlay: Miller + Easton + Barry + Denis
100 bucks nets you $367.65 in return. Now, let’s all hold hands and pray to our collective Gods that we don’t have to pay another visit to Big Tim after this one.
Filed under: UFC, NewsA series of fights have been added to the upcoming UFC on FX debut event on January 20 in Nashville, Tennessee, providing depth to the previously announced Melvin Guillard vs. Jim Miller headliner.
A series of fights have been added to the upcoming UFC on FX debut event on January 20 in Nashville, Tennessee, providing depth to the previously announced Melvin Guillard vs. Jim Miller headliner.
Among the fight agreements released by the UFC on Tuesday include a middleweight fight between Jorge Rivera and Eric Schafer, as well as featherweight and light-heavyweight bouts.
Rivera will be looking to snap a two-fight losing streak after dropping back-to-back bouts against Michael Bisping and Constantinos Philippou. Prior to that, Rivera (18-9) had won three straight.
Schafer (12-6-2) is coming off a three-round unanimous decision loss to Aaron Simpson at UFC 136.
Meanwhile, former WEC featherweight champion Mike Brown will attempt to forge his first multi-fight win streak since mid-2009, and will need a win over Vagner Rocha to do it. After a two-fight losing streak, Brown (25-8) found the win column at UFC 133 with a unanimous decision victory over Nam Phan.
Rocha (7-2) recently captured his first octagon win when he forced Cody McKenzie to tap out to a rear naked choke at September’s UFC Fight Night event in New Orleans.
The third announced fight features the UFC debut of Ryan Jimmo, a Canadian light-heavyweight who hasn’t lost since his career debut in 2007, winning 16 in a row. Jimmo had been the current reigning champion in Canada’s Maximum Fighting Championships before vacating that belt to sign with the UFC. In his last fight, he earned the judges’ nod in a win over former UFC fighter Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou.
Jimmo will face Czech fighter Karlos Vemola (8-2), who dropped his last fight in an August decision at the hands of Ronny Markes.
UFC on FX will be hosted by Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
In the final Prelim fight for UFC on FX 1, veterans Jorge Rivera and Eric Schafer met in a middleweight battle.
Jorge Rivera
This is the 
The frantic pace of UFC events and the multitude of FOX-owned cable networks on which to show those events has at least one upside: more fights means a greater demand for fighters. In turn, that might mean that some of the pressure to win, win, win just to stay in the UFC will slacken just a tad, though I wouldn’t bet on it.