The X Factor: Osterneck’s only hope revolves around out-grappling Rivera and avoiding his ground-and-pound. While Rivera is solid in the clinch, he is not physically overpowering and has never been a terribly sound wrestler. If Osterneck can somehow force Rivera on the defensive by pressuring him with submissions and avoiding damage, he has the grappling pedigree to make Rivera’s UFC return more bitter than sweet.
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The Bottom Line: Looking up and down this undercard, plenty of guys are fighting for their UFC spot; this fight is no different, save for the fact that Rivera knows the UFC and Osterneck is a total neophyte. Experience aside, Rivera’s bruising style is a nightmare for grapplers who cannot wrestle or strike, the exact category into which Osterneck fits. Watch for Rivera to make this a showcase, as he turns Osterneck into a slab of tenderized meat.