UFC 133 Preview: The Main Card
Rivera vs. Philippou
Jorge Rivera (top) needs a win after being stopped by Michael
Bisping in his last outing. | Photo: D. Mandel
Middleweights
Jorge Rivera (19-8, 7-6 UFC) vs. Constantinos Philippou (7-2, 1 NC, 0-1 UFC)
The Matchup: A late substitution, Philippou meets the veteran Rivera, who was originally slated to face American Top Team’s Alessio Sakara for what seemed like the umpteenth time. Alas, a knee injury put the Italian middleweight out of commission. Rivera, now 39, finds himself in dire need of a win after his UFC 127 showdown with “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 3 winner Michael Bisping ended in defeat.
Philippou, who has spent much of his career inside the Ring of Combat promotion, has everything to gain by cashing in against a veteran with his back to the wall. Part of the Serra-Longo Fight Team headed by former UFC welterweight champion Matt Serra and striking coach Ray Longo, Philippou has never been finished as a professional.
The Pick: Philippou pulls the upstart move here and takes it, outhustling Rivera with youth, speed and too many wrinkles. It ends with a second-round knockout.
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