Rivera was supposed to fight former Bantamweight king, Dominick Cruz. That was until Cruz suffered a broken arm in training resulting in his drop off the card. Then John Lineker stepped in and eventually pulled out as well and had to undergo emergency surgery for a tooth infection.
Later a very apologetic Lineker explained that emergency dental surgery was the reason why he couldn’t make it to UFC 219.
As the news broke that Lineker is pulled out, Rivera stated he is willing to face former WSOF champion, Marlon Moraes, who has always been wanting a fight with Rivera for some time now.
I accept the fight with @MMARLONMORAES and even give him two pound allowance at 138lb #merrychristmas #ufc219
— Jimmie Rivera (@JimmieRivera135) December 25, 2017
If this fight materializes, that would be Moraes’ third UFC bout in less than two months. He scores a brutal KO win over Aljamain Sterling on December 9th, and also picked up a decision over John Dodson last November.
.@MMARLONMORAES @ufc pic.twitter.com/mZEQrAGSir
— Jimmie Rivera (@JimmieRivera135) December 25, 2017
“Morning everybody, merry Christmas. We’re in Vegas right now, obviously. Supposed to be fighting at UFC 219, I get a text this morning that Marlon can’t make 138 so let’s fight at 140 then. We can get the fight, get the fans what they want.
Marlon let’s do the fight at 140, you said you want to fight, got to be professional, i’ve given you four pounds, 140. Let me know.”
Moraes, himself, has yet to reply to the latest developments – at least on social media. Few hours after that video from Rivera, it appears that that wasn’t enough weight as Rivera tweet again.
I give you 5 extra fucking pounds and you can’t make weight? @MMARLONMORAES you still say no to the fight. Five extra pounds. And this after you say you want to fight me.
— Jimmie Rivera (@JimmieRivera135) December 25, 2017
I give you 5 extra fucking pounds and you can’t make weight? @MMARLONMORAES you still say no to the fight. Five extra pounds. And this after you say you want to fight me.
While that situation doesn’t get sorted out, enjoy this bit of holiday wholesomeness, John Lineker got bit mushy.
It happens man, hope you have a speedy recovery
— Jimmie Rivera (@JimmieRivera135) December 25, 2017
Moraes’ manager, Ali Abdelaziz, also tweeted on this whole development.
Shut up punk Stop playing games with the fan you not too smart
— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) December 25, 2017
Merry Christmas everybody! @JimmieRivera135 now you fight on my terms. You turn down fight with me two times now I’m ready to fight you buddy on my terms not your terms I’m going to remind you of old memories you know what I’m sayin @danawhite @seanshelby @Mickmaynard2 pic.twitter.com/PWQJn0dikM
— Marlon Moraes (@MMARLONMORAES) December 25, 2017
Merry Christmas everybody! @JimmieRivera135 now you fight on my terms. You turn down fight with me two times now I’m ready to fight you buddy on my terms not your terms I’m going to remind you of old memories you know what I’m sayin @danawhite@seanshelby@Mickmaynard2
This was the quick response from Rivera in return.
Alright let’s do it, 145lb sign the contract. @MMARLONMORAES
— Jimmie Rivera (@JimmieRivera135) December 25, 2017
Alright let’s do it, 145lbs sign the contract. @MMAMARLONMORAES
What are your views will this fight materialize? Who do you think will win?
