Jimmie Rivera V Thomas Almeida: What will go down:

Both men have huge futures in the sport.

A monster of a Bantamweight meeting opens the main card of UFC Fight Night Long Island, as grappling ace Jimmie Rivera, welcomes Brazilian striking sensation Thomas Almeida to the octagon in a classic grappler versus striker matchup. 'El Terror' Rivera is currently unbeaten in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, fresh from a decision victory over the now retired Urijah Faber, while 25 year-old Almeida, recovered from his first career loss to divison champ Cody Garbrandt, to knockout Albert Morales in his native São Paulo.

Hailing from Ramsey, New Jersey, Rivera is a 3rd degree black belt in Tiger Schulmann's MMA, which mainly consists of grappling, karate and kickboxing, but Rivera is mainly regarded as a submission specialist. Despite Rivera's prowess in the aforementioned forms of martial arts, Rivera is in no way a finisher, with only 6 separate career stoppages, from his impressive 20 wins. Rivera has competed at Catchweights of 150lbs, Flyweight and Bantamweight, picking up both King of the Cage and Cage Fury Fighting Championships titles in the process.

Brazil's Almeida is arguably one of the most promising strikers in the UFC today, holding the top rank in Muay Thai, which has granted him 17 incredible knockout victories. A highlight flying knee stoppage over England's Brad Pickett really brought Thomas to prominence, while his most recent win over Morales highlights his real striking dominance. An early first round loss to 'No Love' Garbrandt halted Almeida's meteoric rise to stardom, but an eye catching win over Rivera would certainly cement the Brazilian in the top 5 Bantamweight rankings.

Rivera may look to a very wrestling and grappling heavy approach for this one to avoid the striking exchanges with Almeida, while 'Thominhas' will most certainly utilise his superior kicking ability to keep the distance from Rivera.

Thomas Almeida via knockout.

Please like, comment and follow for daily MMA news and opinions.

Requests:markeyross198.RM@gmail.com

•Twitter:Markey Martial Arts/Ross_Markey

•Facebook:Markey Martial Arts/RossMarkeyMMA

Ross