UFC 104 Preview: The Prelims

Rob Kimmons vs. Jorge Rivera

The Breakdown: After barely eking out a split decision nod over Nissen Osterneck, Rivera looks to continue his UFC renaissance against another submission-minded foe. However, Kimmons has proven far more aggressive than Osterneck and brings experience in spades. More troubling is that Rivera has lost some of the edge off his game and came in woefully out of shape for his last bout. If Rivera’s patchwork submission defense makes even a cameo appearance, his comeback tour will meet the kind of end many hope would be reserved for Barbara Streisand or Kiss.

The X-Factor: Kimmons has shown himself to be an all-or-nothing kind of fighter, and that madcap style has paid dividends for him. With that said, the UFC is not a place for one-trick ponies. If he cannot ensnare Rivera early, he will be stuck in the cage with someone who loves attrition warfare. That’s not the kind of fight Kimmons was built to win.

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The Bottom Line: Considering Rivera could not keep his neck and limbs out of harm’s way during his prime, one has to wonder how he plans on doing so now that Father Time has caught up to him. With Rivera’s striking no longer the obstacle it once was, Kimmons will be free to collapse the pocket and declare war on the airway of “El Conquistador.”