A last-minute fight is in the UFC’s cards – and it’s only eight days away.
Ranked bantamweights Cody Stamann and Jimmie Rivera are expected to square off July 15 on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, as part of the promotion’s four “Fight Island” events being held in 15 days.
There’s a twist: The fight will take place at featherweight – 145 pounds.
A person with knowledge of the situation informed MMA Junkie of the booking Tuesday but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement. MMA Fighting was first to report the news.
Stamann (19-2-1 MMA, 5-1-1 UFC) has gone 2-0-1 in his last three fights. He most recently competed June 6 at UFC 250 in Las Vegas, defeating Brian Kelleher by unanimous decision. The win came weeks after Stamann’s younger brother, Jacob, unexpectedly died at 18.
Rivera (22-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) has not competed since a June 2019 loss to Petr Yan. He has dropped three of his last four fights, losing to top contenders Aljamain Sterling and Marlon Moraes. In a recent interview with ESPN, Rivera revealed he tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this year.
With the addition, the current July 15 lineup includes;
Calvin Kattar vs. Dan Ige
Frankie Edgar vs. TBA
Jimmie Rivera vs. Cody Stamann
Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Mounir Lazzez
Chris Fishgold vs. Jared Gordon
Modestas Bukauskas vs. Andreas Michailidis
Molly McCann vs. Taila Santos
Lerone Murphy vs. Ricardo Ramos
John Phillips vs. Dusko Todorovic
Ryan Benoit vs. Tim Elliott
Diana Belbita vs. Liana Jojua
UFC adds Cody Stamann vs. Jimmie Rivera to July 15 'Fight Island' lineup