Surging UFC bantamweight contenders Jimmie Rivera and Marlon Moraes collided in the headliner of tonight’s UFC Fight Night 131 event in Utica, with the winner likely earning the next shot at UFC bantamweight gold.

Jimmie Rivera entered the bout on an amazing twenty-fight win streak, but it was Marlon Moraes who would leave the octagon with a spectacular knockout win tonight in New York.

Marlon Moraes was able to connect with a left head kick wh
ich sent Rivera crashing to the canvas just moments into the opening round. From there, Moraes would unleash some solid ground and pound which forced the referee to step in and call a stop to the action.

https://twitter.com/Kirby_MMA/status/1002771961758535682

Check out how the MMA Community reacted to Marlon Moraes’ second spectacular finish in a row.

https://twitter.com/TalkMMA/status/1002774647895666689

https://twitter.com/Ealvarezfight/status/1002772613100441600

I would so love to see Moraes vs whoever wins between Cody and TJ!! @ufc

— James Vick (@JamesVickMMA) June 2, 2018

https://twitter.com/RaphaAssuncao/status/1002773739925393408

https://twitter.com/MeganA_mma/status/1002771783970324481

https://twitter.com/Cody_Nolove/status/1002773532403630081

Marlon Moraes is making a serious argument that he is the best 135 pounder in the world. I guess there is only one way to find out… #UFCUtica

— Nolan King (@mma_kings) June 2, 2018

https://twitter.com/Cody_Nolove/status/1002773744400494592

I’d fight Rivera in a heartbeat, if Cruz doesn’t wanna go. https://t.co/BdRHSRAw3L

— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) June 2, 2018

Marlon Moraes is 16-1 in his past 17 fights. His only loss in that stretch was a split decision to Raphael Assuncao #UFCUtica

— Mike Bohn (@MikeBohnMMA) June 2, 2018