Ex-UFC top contender retires, yet reveals one opponent who could lure him out again

Rivera concluded his career with a TKO victory over Mason in the third round.

He had 11 UFC appearances and six in BKFC, while remaining unbeaten during his time in Bellator.

Speaking after the fight, the New Jersey native said: “Unfortunately, I don’t like to end on a sour note, so this will be my last fight.”

“There’s only one fight that matters right now and only fight that’ll bring me out of retirement. It’s coming back here at The Rock or something in Jersey. Frankie and I have a little unfinished business.

“It’s all good blood though.

“I really wanted that fight, and out of love and respect, maybe we could do it for the fans, and at the end of the day, we’re both winners, so it doesn’t matter.”

Jimmie Rivera says Petr Yan was the best striker he’s ever fought

Throughout his career, Rivera competed against seven world champions in both MMA and bare-knuckle boxing.

During his time in the UFC, he had a 21-1 record and picked up wins over the likes of Urijah Faber, John Dodson, Cody Stamann, Thomas Almeida and Brian Kelleher.

Rivera’s opponents also included Aljamain Sterling, Petr Yan, Marlon Moraes, and Jeremy Stephens.

Yan got praise from Rivera for being the top striker among them.

In September, during an interview with Bloody Elbow, he said: “I’m gonna say that probably the best striker would be Petr Yan”

“Out of all the guys I fought, one of the best boxing, kickboxing, takedown defence…

“He’s, hands down, a very good fighter.”