UFC 104 Preview: Rob Kimmons, Jorge Rivera Collide in Divisional Action

In middleweight action on UFC 104's undercard, Jorge "El Conquistador" Rivera (16-7, 5-5 UFC) will aim to power punch his way back into some more relevant bouts against third degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Rob Kimmons (22-4, 2-1 UFC). Rivera is coming off a split decision victory over highly touted prospect Nissen Osterneck at UFN 18 in April while Kimmons enters this contest following a submission victory over Joe Vedepo at the same event. The match-up has no real relevance in terms of impacting the division, it will serve as a proving fight for both combatants to be kept on the active roster.

On paper, this is a standard striker vs. grappler showdown. Rivera sports a mix of boxing, wrestling, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills as part of Team Sityodtong in Milford, Massachusetts, although he's most focused on the striking and wrestling aspects in his overall skill-set. Reportedly, Rivera has left the famed camp in order to train at his own camp. Whether or not that's actually a good idea is another story, but he'll have his hands full on Saturday night against a very able grappler in Kimmons.

Kimmons currently serves as an instructor at Xtreme Couture's Kansas City gym, and he also devotes time to training at the American Jiu-Jitsu Academy. He'll likely have the stable of fighters within the Xtreme Couture network at his disposal, but his jiu-jitsu skills alone may be able to pull him through in this match-up.

Historically, Rivera hasn't faced a formidable grappler since Dennis Hallman at UFC 55. He defeated Hallman via unanimous decision that night, but over the course of the last 4 years -- he's battled mostly guys either willing to strike with him or fighters who simply didn't have the necessary tactics to put him to the ground. Kimmons will be able to put this fight to the ground, and he's seasoned enough to know how to avoid Rivera's power punching. It should be a stiff test for both men as Kimmons has been beaten by superior striking, but Rivera has had his reputation diminish in his last two fights as a powerful knockout artist.

I'm not sure I buy all the talk that Rivera has suddenly lost his power. He fought a very capable Martin Kampmann who was in line for a title shot after a war with Carlos Condit. He battled a hot prospect in Nissen Osterneck that went to split decision. Both men were stiff challenges to Rivera's barn burner striking style, so I fail to see where a lack of power was the culprit of lackluster performances.

Ultimately, this comes down to Rivera's ground defense. I imagine he could be a problem while keeping himself in the striking game early in the fight, but a Kimmons' takedown coupled with his grappling prowess will put Rivera into some deep trouble in this fight. Kimmons will probably want to try to lock in a guillotine if Rivera's gameplan resorts to takedowns and top control, but he can also work it from various positions. Look for Rivera to give his neck up in this one.