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The UFC 156 prelims opened up on Facebook with a bang when Francisco Rivera (9-2, 1 NC) knocked out Edwin Figueroa (9-2) late in round 2. The win improved Rivera's record to 2-0, 1 NC as a UFC Bantamweight. Figueroa dropped to 2-2 in the UFC.
Figueroa got off to a good start in an exciting back-and-forth opening round. However, after spending the first half of round 2 grinding Rivera from top position, he appeared to have gassed out. With a minute to go, Rivera turned up the action and started landing bombs on Figueroa. Referee Kim Winslow stopped the fight with 40 seconds left when Edwin went down.
What was the high point of the fight?
The flurry that was the beginning of the end for Figueroa. Rivera attacked and landed. Edwin tried to escape but found no where to go.
Where do they go from here?
Although he's undefeated in the UFC, Rivera's record is slightly tainted by the failed drug test at UFC 149. The commission popped him for stimulants in his sample and overturned his win against Roland Delorme. At the very least, the win over Figueroa helps put that behind him.
Figueroa has struggled against the lower level of the division throughout his UFC career. His win over Alex Caceres comes as he was beaten badly through the fight, but an atypical 2-point deduction for Caceres gave him the decision. That said, at 2-2 he shouldn't be in danger of being cut, but will need a win in his next match to keep going.
Watch it now, later, or never?
Save this one for later. It was a fun scrap but there's more important fights to watch from the night.
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