Dominick Cruz and Jimmie Rivera meet at UFC 219:

Can Dominick Cruz recover from a disheartening loss. 

Former UFC Bantamweight champ Dominick Cruz returns to the octagon for the first time since his decision defeat to youngster Cody 'No Love' Garbrandt, when he takes on the exciting, high rising contender Jimmie Rivera in a likely title eliminator at 135lbs.

The part time colour commentator for the UFC and analyst for Fox Sports, was undefeated since 2008 before his loss to Garbrandt, closely overthrowing T.J. Dillashaw before overcoming Urijah Faber (x2), Joseph Benavidez (x2), Brian Bowles, Ian McCall and of course, holds a career highlight victory over current Flyweight king and UFC P4P #1 Demetrious 'Mighty Mouse' Johnson. With a deadly yet patient and precise often 'potshot' style, Cruz is arguably the greatest Bantamweight in mixed-martial arts history, although two recurring ACL injuries to the 32 year-old has robbed the Arizona favourite of some of the best years of his career. 

Jimmie Rivera, a wrestler at heart, is currently riding a 5 fight win streak in the UFC, last time decisioning Brazilian striker Thomas Almeida after a dominant victory over Hall of Famer Urijah Faber. Despite his extensive background in both wrestling and 'Tiger Schulmann MMA', 'El Terror' certainly ins't a deadly finisher with only 6 stoppage wins nestled on his 21-1 record. His active display and all round comfortable showing against Almeida seen the New Jersey native climb to the #3 rank at Bantamweight, and his post fight call out of Dominick Cruz has been dully granted by the UFC brass.

Please like, comment and follow for daily MMA news and opinions.

Requests:markeyross198.RM@gmail.com

•Twitter:Markey Martial Arts/Ross_Markey

•Facebook:Markey Martial Arts/RossMarkeyMMA/Martial Arts Chat

Ross