The UFC is adding a big-time matchup on very short notice to their second Fight Island card. MMA Junkie is reporting that UFC bantamweight contenders, Cody Stamann (19-2-1) and Jimmie Rivera (22-4) will be clashing on Fight Island.
.@CodyStamann vs. @JimmieRivera135 added to July 15 #UFCFightIsland lineup https://t.co/V0EyrVYDhT
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) July 7, 2020
It was reported last night that the UFC had lost it’s co-main event of their July 15th card as Pedro Munhoz tested positive for COVID-19. The UFC started exploring options for Frankie Edgar with the Munhoz fight being scrapped. One of the fighters that spoke up about taking the fight against Edgar on short notice was Cody Stamann.
UFC’s July 15th card added a good one
Once Stamann volunteered to fight Edgar, the wheels started spinning for the UFC. There became increasing interest in getting Stamann on the card. The Edgar fight didn’t materialize, but the UFC had another opponent for Stamann.
Jimmie Rivera hasn’t fought in over a year, but he’s still considered one of the better bantamweights in the world. Yes, he’s 1-3 in his last four fights, but those three losses came against the top three bantamweights in the UFC rankings. There is no doubting that Rivera is one of the best in the world at 135 pounds.
From a rankings perspective, this fight is perfect for the UFC. Stamann is currently ranked 10th while Rivera is ranked 9th. Stamann is coming off of a very emotional win last month after losing his little brother tragically. He never looked better in that fight, and he’s looking to capitalize on the momentum. With both men being bigger bantamweights, they have agreed to fight at 145 pounds due to the short notice.