Jimmie Rivera decisions Muay Thai expert Thomas Almeida:

Rivera calls out both T.J. Dillashaw and Dominick Cruz.

The main card of UFC Fight Night Long Island promised to start with a bang as long time contender Jimmie Rivera faced Brazilian striker Thomas Almeida in a classic grappler versus striker matchup. Rivera will need to score takedowns both early and often, target the legs to diminish the Muay Thai background of Almeida, while Brazil's Almeida must revert to that traditional Muay Thai striking style to overcome Rivera.

The initial fan support was clear for the New Jersey native Rivera, as the beginning of three scheduled rounds got underway with Dan Miragliotta in the middle. Rivera missed early in with those damaging leg kicks as Almeida opened with that traditional Thai boxing stance. An early shot from Rivera alongside the fence dropped Almeida who recovered well, before Miragliotta gave a warning for holding the fence. Very comfortable start for Rivera. Another big shot stunned Almeida and slumped him to the mat, as Rivera failed to capitalise as the Brazil striker made it back to his feet once again. Most definitely a 10-8 round in favour of Rivera.

Almeida must avoid that over hand right from Jimmie Rivera in the second, as the Ramsey favourite shot for an early double leg in the opening moments of the second. Both men were trading shots with Rivera constantly landing that left hook, flashing the eyes of Almeida. A solid right hand from Almeida dropped Jimmie to one knee mid way through the second, as he looked to regain his senses. Almeida then showed incredible timing as he found the target with a left high kick after checking Rivera's leg kick. The general consensus in Almeida's corner was that they needed a big performance in the third round.

Rivera entered into the third in expert fashion, executing an important high double leg to score his first takedown of the night. Miragliotta once more warned Thomas of the fence grab. Rivera was noticeably circling away from the left hand of Almeida, which was starting to find it's target throughout the third. As Almeida tried his trademark double knee, Rivera level changed and landed an important takedown, before Almeida scrambled to his feet. Fantastic display from both Bantamweight's as they push each other to the distance. The judges as octagon handed the win to Rivera, with the late takedowns most likely proving the distance.

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