Ex-UFC contender Jimmie Rivera to make BKFC debut vs. Howard Davis on June 24

Jimmie Rivera’s debut in bare-knuckle boxing is set.

The former UFC bantamweight contender has been booked against Howard Davis in the upcoming BKFC 26 event, the promotion announced the news on Tuesday.

BKFC 26 is set to go down on June 24 at the HardRock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

The bout vs. Davis marks Rivera’s first fight since his departure from the UFC in late 2021. The 32-year-old last fought at UFC Fight Night 186 where he lost a unanimous decision to Brazil’s Pedro Munhoz. The contest earned Fight of the Night awards.

Rivera is 2-3 in his past five MMA fights – losing to Munhoz, Petr Yan and Aljamain Sterling; and defeating Cody Stamann and John Dodson. “El Terror” fought for the UFC from 2015 to 2021, competing 11 times in the octagon.

Rivera’s opponent, Davis, is 2-0 in bare-knuckle boxing with both fights being under the BKFC banner. He’s also 1-0 in professional boxing. Howard has no prior experience competing in MMA.