Ryan Pierse - Getty Images
about 1 year ago: SYDNEY AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 23: Jorge Rivera of the USA speaks during a Press Conference ahead of UFC 127 at Star City on February 23 2011 in Sydney Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Jorge Rivera defeats Eric Schafer by TKO. The stoppage came at 1:31 in the second round.
The big news entering this fight was that no matter the outcome, Jorge Rivera had made up the decision to retire from MMA. The 11 year veteran had fought every top fighter in the division over the course of his career. The first round didn't start out well with Schafer scoring an early takedown and controlling Rivera on the ground. Rivera was able to sweep and do damage on top but the first round was clearly a win for Schafer.
The second round was vintage Rivera. After hitting a sweep and then stepping out of a takedown, he pummeled Schafer with punches. The referee gave Schafer multiple chances to improve his position or fight back but he was unable to stop the onslaught. Herb Dean was forced to step in and stop the fight.
Rivera gets to do what very few fighters get to do: retire on a win. He was emotional in his post fight interview.
0 recs | 7 comments
I've always enjoyed his fights.
I’m glad to see him go out on a win.
EyeHeartMMA - January 20, 2012
Wasn’t able to see it. But Cheers Jorge. You look exactly like my old Kung Fu teacher and you been through a lot.
Krimson - January 20, 2012
Good for Jorge
Always enjoyed watching him fight, win or lose.
jackscagnetty - January 20, 2012
I’m happy this dude is finally out of the UFC. He had a good run
Robust23 - January 20, 2012
Cheers.
POW - January 20, 2012
Congratulations
On a great career Jorge. You will always be respected in this sport!
So glad you got to go out with a victory!
mixedmartialmike - January 21, 2012
Although I predicted him retiring if he lost(before his announcement)...
…I was happy to see him go out on a win and especially to see how stoked he was in celebration after the fight. You couldn’t help but be happy for the guy.
NickRingp4pGOAT - January 23, 2012
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