No. 4 bantamweight Jimmie Rivera (21-1, 4 KOs, 2 SUBs) will meet No. 5 Marlon Moraes (20-5, 9 KOs, 5 SUBs) at UFC Fight Night 131 on Friday, June 1, 2018 at the Adirondack Bank Center in Utica, New York. The card airs live on FS1 starting 10 p.m. ET. Bet on the latest UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and get the latest previews, predictions and betting picks now.
For a guy on a 20-fight win streak - 5 in the UFC - Jimmie Rivera is flying under the radar. Something of a forgotten man in an ultra-competitive bantamweight division, “El Terror” is choosing to take the long route to a title shot, quietly piling up wins over quality opponents. This Friday, he’s got another high-risk, low reward matchup against former WSOF champion Marlon Moraes.
Moraes lost a close split decision to Raphael Assuncao in his UFC debut, but has since rebounded with wins over John Dodson and Aljamain Sterling. While the Dodson scrap was a contentious, drawn-out affair, the 30-year old Brazilian dramatically dropped Sterling with a knee so crushing it was a contender for Knockout of the Year. It was an excellent reminder of the cruncher the UFC expected to get when it signed him.
The interesting thing here is that Moraes just might be the best fighter that Rivera has faced. His five UFC wins have all come against very good opponents, but he hasn’t beat a top-5 guy. On the flipside, Moraes has only fought top-10 guys since joining the UFC.
That’s an interesting dynamic that gives you some things to think about when betting this fight. Let’s take a look at the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and break down your betting options.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Jimmie Rivera -120
Marlon Moraes -110
Fight goes/doesn’t go to decision: -155 / +115
Striking Stats
Significant strikes landed p/m: Rivera 4.55 / Moraes 3.09
Accuracy: Rivera 41.06% / Moraes 32.54%
Significant strikes absorbed p/m: Rivera 3.42 / Moraes 2.86
Defense: Rivera 64.1% / 64.26%
Grappling Stats
Takedown average: Rivera 1.22 / Moraes 0.48
Takedown accuracy: Rivera 33.33% / Moraes 25%
Takedowns defended: Rivera 100% / Moraes 60%
Submission average: Rivera 0 / Moraes 0.48
Fight Preview
You might look at Rivera’s low number of KOs and assume he’s pillow-fisted. That’s dead wrong. While the 28-year old might not possess killshot power, he’s a pressure fighter that hits hard, fast and often. At 5’4”, El Terror is well-versed at getting inside the pocket and pressuring opponents to go first so he can launch multi-punch combinations. Landing 4.59 significant strikes per minute is an elite number.
What’s more, Rivera has the ability to wrestle if needed. While it’s not his preferred MO, he has the strength and skill to put guys on the mat and control them to win. It’s not pretty, but it also gives him a good defensive grappling base. It probably won’t be needed against Moraes though.
Moraes is black belt in BJJ, but doesn’t have the offensive wrestling - nor the desire - to really impose his grappling. This guy wants to bang. And it all starts with his low kicks. Much like vintage Jose Aldo or current Justin Gaethje, Moraes’ doesn’t just chop away at lead legs - he eats them alive. Training with Mark Henry, the Brazilian has evolved into an elite technical kickboxer with the ability to strike with anyone.
UFC Odds Pick: Moraes to win at -155
We love Moraes as a live ‘dog in this matchup. Rivera has yet to face such a skilled striking technician inside the UFC, and Moraes textbook Muay Thai gives him a great shot at picking apart the shorter man. He will have to maintain the distance and likely fend off a few takedowns, but over the course of a five-round fight his leg kicks and punching power should prevail.
UFC Odds Pick: Fight goes the distance +115
Moraes hasn’t been stopped since 2011, and Rivera has never been finished. With Rivera’s chin and lack of knockout power, there’s a great chance this goes the distance.
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! Real-time spreads, totals, props and money line are all available so start betting with BookMaker today. UFC Fight UFC Fight Night takes place 131 on Friday, June 1, 2018 at the Adirondack Bank Center in Utica, New York. The card airs live on FS1 starting 10 p.m. ET.
