Ex-UFC fighter Francisco Rivera is back.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk (UFC 248) Zhang Weili and Joanna Jedrzejczyk delivered the greatest fight in women’s MMA history at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and when it was over, the. Unless otherwise noted, all stats via UFC Stats. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537.
Following the conclusion of a four-year USADA suspension and subsequent COVID-19-induced delays, Rivera (11-7) has booked his return fight for XMMA. The event takes place Jan. 30 at Palm Beach Convention Center in Palm Beach, Fla., and <a href='Rivera, 39, competed at bantamweight for the duration of his 10-fight UFC tenure. However, he will move up to 145 pounds for this fight to take on Bellator and LFA alum Ryan Lilley (10-6).It'll be 54 months in between fights for Rivera when he steps in the cage. His most recent fight took place at UFC 201 in July 2016, when he lost a unanimous decision to Erik Perez on the pay-per-view main card.On July 23, 2016, Rivera presented an out-of-competition sample to USADA that, when analyzed, tested positive for banned substance clenbuterol. Rivera was the second fighter to receive a USADA suspension following the UFC’s implementation of the partnership program.
Rivera claimed he had traveled to Northern Mexico and ate meat contaminated with the substance – an issue that other UFC fighters had encountered. However, he was unable to provide independently verifiable evidence of his travels. Furthermore, an arbitrator determined Rivera had falsified evidence. As a result, his standard two-year suspension was increased to four years.
Eligible to fight in July 2020, Rivera spoke to MMA Junkie this past April about his MMA comeback.
“I know I can still put on great shows,” Rivera told MMA Junkie. “I’m definitely one of the best bantamweight fighters who ever fought in the UFC that, the way I fight. I’m always looking for a knockout. I’m always looking for excitement. I’m never one to put on a boring fight and I think now would be the best time to make a comeback to the UFC because fans love the way I fight – especially now. I feel like it’s more entertainment now.”
XMMA’s Jan. 30 event also features UFC veterans James Vick, Marcelo Golm and Kyle Bochniak among other MMA notables.
Check out these photos highlighting Georges St-Pierre’s TKO win over B.J. Penn at UFC 94 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (Photos by Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)
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US Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 30, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter B.J. Penn at the weigh in prior…Jan. 30, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter B.J. Penn at the weigh in prior to the fight against Georges St-Pierre (not pictured) for the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 30, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter B.J. Penn at the weigh in prior…Jan. 30, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter B.J. Penn at the weigh in prior to the fight against Georges St-Pierre (not pictured) for the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 30, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter B.J. Penn at the weigh in prior…Jan. 30, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter B.J. Penn at the weigh in prior to the fight against Georges St-Pierre (not pictured) for the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 30, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter B.J. Penn at the weigh in prior…Jan. 30, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter B.J. Penn at the weigh in prior to the fight against Georges St-Pierre (not pictured) for the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 30, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre at the weigh in prior…Jan. 30, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre at the weigh in prior to the fight against B.J. Penn (not pictured) for the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 30, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre at the weigh in prior…Jan. 30, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre at the weigh in prior to the fight against B.J. Penn (not pictured) for the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 30, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre (left) faces B.J. Penn at…Jan. 30, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre (left) faces B.J. Penn at the weigh in for the welterweight championship bout in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 30, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre (left) faces B.J. Penn at…Jan. 30, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre (left) faces B.J. Penn at the weigh in for the welterweight championship bout in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fans cheer prior to the bout between B.J.…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fans cheer prior to the bout between B.J. Penn and Georges St-Pierre during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fans cheer and take pictures prior to the…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fans cheer and take pictures prior to the bout between B.J. Penn and Georges St-Pierre during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre enters the arena prior to…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre enters the arena prior to taking on B.J. Penn during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre spits water into the air…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre spits water into the air prior to taking on B.J. Penn during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter B.J. Penn (white trunks) against Georges St-Pierre…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter B.J. Penn (white trunks) against Georges St-Pierre (black trunks) during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre (black trunks) against B.J. Penn…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre (black trunks) against B.J. Penn (white trunks) during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter B.J. Penn (left) is punched by Georges…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter B.J. Penn (left) is punched by Georges St-Pierre during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter B.J. Penn (white trunks) against Georges St-Pierre…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter B.J. Penn (white trunks) against Georges St-Pierre (black trunks) during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre (black trunks) punches B.J. Penn…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre (black trunks) punches B.J. Penn (white trunks) during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre (black trunks) punches B.J. Penn…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre (black trunks) punches B.J. Penn (white trunks) during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre (black trunks) kicks B.J. Penn…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre (black trunks) kicks B.J. Penn (white trunks) during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter B.J. Penn (left) is punched by Georges…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter B.J. Penn (left) is punched by Georges St-Pierre during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre (black trunks) punches B.J. Penn…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre (black trunks) punches B.J. Penn (white trunks) during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter B.J. Penn (left) against Georges St-Pierre during…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter B.J. Penn (left) against Georges St-Pierre during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre (black trunks) punches B.J. Penn…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre (black trunks) punches B.J. Penn (white trunks) during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter B.J. Penn (white trunks) is punched in…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter B.J. Penn (white trunks) is punched in the face by Georges St-Pierre (black trunks) during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre (black trunks) hits B.J. Penn…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre (black trunks) hits B.J. Penn (white trunks) during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre (top) hits B.J. Penn during…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre (top) hits B.J. Penn during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre (black trunks) against B.J. Penn…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre (black trunks) against B.J. Penn (white trunks) during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter B.J. Penn (bottom) is punched by Georges…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter B.J. Penn (bottom) is punched by Georges St-Pierre during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre celebrates after defeating B.J. Penn…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre celebrates after defeating B.J. Penn (not pictured) during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre celebrates with a backflip after…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre celebrates with a backflip after defeating B.J. Penn (not pictured) during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre celebrates with the champions belt…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre celebrates with the champions belt after defeating B.J. Penn (not pictured) during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre celebrates with the champions belt…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre celebrates with the champions belt after defeating B.J. Penn (not pictured) during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre celebrates with the champions belt…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre celebrates with the champions belt after defeating B.J. Penn (not pictured) during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre celebrates with the champions belt…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre celebrates with the champions belt after defeating B.J. Penn (not pictured) during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre celebrates with the champions belt…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre celebrates with the champions belt after defeating B.J. Penn (not pictured) during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre speaks with UFC commissioner Dana…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre speaks with UFC commissioner Dana White after defeating B.J. Penn (not pictured) during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre during the post fight press…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre during the post fight press conference after defeating B.J. Penn (not pictured) during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre during the post fight press…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre during the post fight press conference after defeating B.J. Penn (not pictured) during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre during the post fight press…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre during the post fight press conference after defeating B.J. Penn (not pictured) during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsmoreUS Presswire Sports ArchiveJan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fans cheer prior to the bout between B.J.…Jan. 31, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC fans cheer prior to the bout between B.J. Penn and Georges St-Pierre during the welterweight championship in UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. St-Pierre defeated Penn with a fourth round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sportsmore