Jimmie Rivera
Active 2015–present · rated in 3 editions · peak overall 82.0
Scouting report
A 20-fight career winning streak propelled Jimmie "El Terror" Rivera into the bantamweight elite as a high-volume pocket technician. Born in Ramsey, New Jersey, and training under Team Tiger Schulmann, Rivera notched wins over Urijah Faber and John Dodson behind tight boxing defense and hand speed. His technical approach is driven by an 88 Cardio pace and 86 Boxing combinations.
Peak ratings
By edition
Rivera compiled an undefeated UFC start across 2016 and 2017, defeating Urijah Faber at UFC 203 in Cleveland and defeating Thomas Almeida by unanimous decision on Long Island. His compact boxing, takedown defense, and footwork are reflected in an 86 Boxing and 88 Cardio rating across both victories.
In 2018 and 2019, Rivera dropped a knockout loss to Marlon Moraes and decisions to Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan at UFC 238 in Chicago, while earning a unanimous decision over John Dodson at UFC 228 in Dallas. His boxing discipline, head movement, and durability in pocket exchanges anchor his 84 Boxing and 82 Durability ratings across these matchups.
Rivera defeated Cody Stamann by unanimous decision on Fight Island in July 2020 before dropping a decision in a rematch with Pedro Munhoz at UFC Fight Night 186 in February 2021 in Las Vegas. His boxing fundamentals, low leg kicks, and counter-striking support his 83 Boxing and 82 Fight IQ scores across these matchups.
Jimmie Rivera, the New Jersey wrestler who beat the veterans
Jimmie Rivera is from Ramsey, New Jersey, wrestled at Ramsey High School and came out of Tiger Schulmann MMA. He started fighting in 2007 at 18 and went 7-0 as an amateur. He won the King of the Cage flyweight title with a split decision over Abel Cullum in 2010. In a draft he is a wrestling-based bantamweight who wins with durability and a strong finish to fights.
How Rivera's ratings play out
Boxing. A very high 86. He knocked out Marcus Brimage in the first round of his 2015 debut.
Kickboxing. A strong 82, just under his boxing.
Wrestling. A very good 84. His wrestling helped him recover against Sidemar Honorio at WSOF 5.
BJJ. A solid 78. He submitted Willie Gates in the third round of his Bellator debut.
Strength. The lowest on his card at 76, though strength and wrestling are credited with helping him recover against Honorio.
Durability. A strong 84. Nothing on his professional record was a finish against him until Marlon Moraes in 2018.
Cardio. The top of his card at 88. He won a five-round title fight over Abel Cullum and later took a series of decisions in the promotion.
Fight IQ. A high 84. He beat veterans like Urijah Faber and John Dodson on the scorecards.
Cardio at 88 wins his rounds late
Cardio is his best rating. He won the King of the Cage title over five rounds, defended it over five more against Jared Papazian, and won unanimous decisions over Iuri Alcantara, Urijah Faber, Thomas Almeida and John Dodson. When he took damage early, as he did against Honorio, he turned the fight around in the second and third rounds.
Strength at 76 is the gap
Strength is the lowest rating, so a heavy hitter can catch him. Marlon Moraes knocked him out in the first round with a head kick and punches in 2018, the first finish against him on his professional record. Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan later beat him on the cards.
Keep exploring
Closest bantamweight profiles to Jimmie Rivera, measured by how near their peak attribute ratings sit across all eight categories.
- Song Yadongbest boxing 89 · weakest bjj 76
- Rob Fontbest cardio 90 · weakest strength 75
- Mario Bautistabest cardio 89 · weakest strength 74
- Kyler Phillipsbest cardio 88 · weakest strength 74
- Bantamweight division guide: how the whole division rates and who to draft from it.
- Protecting your streak: a guide that fits Jimmie Rivera's strongest attribute, Cardio.
Draft Jimmie Rivera into your build
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Ratings shown are my own estimates, made with AI assistance and informed by how Jimmie Rivera is regarded by the MMA community. They are unofficial and do not constitute an assessment of Jimmie Rivera's real-world abilities. How the ratings are made. See the disclaimer below. Ratings and write-ups by Haaris A. Last reviewed 2026-09-30; spot an error? Tell us. Read our editorial standards.