Originally, Streaking bantamweight contender Jimmie Rivera was expected to take on former champ Dominick Cruz at UFC 219 on December 30. Regrettably, though, Cruz was forced out of this fight with an injury.
From there, Cruz was replaced my the ever-dangerous John Lineker. Yet once again, bad luck struck, as Lineker was forced out of the fight just days ahead of time.
With Lineker out, Rivera began a frantic search for a replacement opponent, having trained through Thanksgiving and flown to Las Vegas over Christmas. And while it looked like he might meet fellow bantamweight contender Marlon Moraes at a TBD catchweight, things are now looking bleak in that regard.
I accept the fight with @MMARLONMORAES and even give him two pound allowance at 138lb #merrychristmas #ufc219
— Jimmie Rivera (@JimmieRivera135) December 25, 2017
.@MMARLONMORAES @ufc pic.twitter.com/mZEQrAGSir
— Jimmie Rivera (@JimmieRivera135) December 25, 2017
I give you 5 extra fucking pounds and you can’t make weight? @MMARLONMORAES you still say no to the fight. Five extra pounds. And this after you say you want to fight me.
— Jimmie Rivera (@JimmieRivera135) December 25, 2017
Shut up punk Stop playing games with the fan you not too smart
— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) December 25, 2017
Merry Christmas everybody! @JimmieRivera135 now you fight on my terms. You turn down fight with me two times now I’m ready to fight you buddy on my terms not your terms I’m going to remind you of old memories you know what I’m sayin @danawhite @seanshelby @Mickmaynard2 pic.twitter.com/PWQJn0dikM
— Marlon Moraes (@MMARLONMORAES) December 25, 2017
While it seem like the two fighters were close to hashing something out for a last-minute UFC 219 fight, Rivera has seemed entirely pessimistic more recently.
Sorry to my fans, friends and family. @MMARLONMORAES said no to the 10 pounds. Those were his terms, I agreed, and then he withdrew the offer.
— Jimmie Rivera (@JimmieRivera135) December 26, 2017
Let’s be clear on the situation. I’m in Vegas ready to fight. Missed Thanksgiving. Missed Christmas. Missed honeymoon. Was prepared. Was a professional. Cruz out. Lineker out. Marlon full of shit.
— Jimmie Rivera (@JimmieRivera135) December 26, 2017
.@TJDillashaw @DominickCruz @Cody_Nolove I’m ready whenever you are…
— Jimmie Rivera (@JimmieRivera135) December 26, 2017
Ariel Helwani also confirmed the chances of Jimmie Rivera’s finding a replacement opponent are slim.
Barring a last-minute Christmas miracle, which appears extremely unlikely at this point, Jimmie Rivera won’t be fighting at UFC 219, I’m told. Stars couldn’t align as far as a replacement opponent is concerned.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 26, 2017
If he doesn’t get a last-minute opponent for UFC 219, who would you like to see Jimmie Rivera fight next?
This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 26/12/2017.