Jimmie Rivera was riding a huge wave of momentum heading into last night’s UFC Fight Night 131 event in Utica.

The 28-year-old entered his event headlining contest with Marlon Moraes on the heels of a sensational twenty-fight win streak, which included recent decision victories over Thomas Almeida and Urijah Faber.

The general consensus among fight fans and media members was if Rivera could defeat Moraes in impressive fashion at last night’s UFC Utica event, he would thus become the obvious number one contender at bantamweight.

Unfortunately for Rivera, things did not work out in his favor last night.

Marlon Moraes was able to catch Rivera with a beautifully timed head kick just moments into the opening round which sent Jimmie crashing the canvas. Moraes would quickly follow up with some heavy ground and pound which prompted the referee to step in and call the contest just 33-seconds into round one.

Shortly following the conclusion of last night’s UFC Fight Night 131 event in Utica, a disappointed Jimmie Rivera took to Twitter with the following classy statement.

Thank you everyone for the support. Wasn’t my night. Hats off to Marlon. Just means that I need to get back on that horse and try again! #NQS #darkhorse

— Jimmie Rivera (@JimmieRivera135) June 2, 2018

“Thank you everyone for the support. Wasn’t my night. Hats off to Marlon. Just means that I need to get back on that horse and try again! #NQS #darkhorse” – Jimmie Rivera

Despite the setback, Jimmie Rivera still boasts an incredible professional mixed martial arts record of 21-2.

Who would you like to see Jimmie Rivera matched up with for his next octagon appearance? Sound off PENN Nation!