Direct hit.
Marlon Moraes defeated American Jimmie Rivera in just 33 seconds at the UFC Utica event, which took place at the Adirondack Bank Center in Utica, New York. Moraes made a spectacular comeback to the UFC, as he had not fought since December 2017.
The Brazilian Marlon Moraes showed no mercy to Rivera and threw an impressive kick to his head, putting an end to his undefeated streak of 20 consecutive victories in a span of 10 years of participation in MMA.
The fight did not have much development, both went out to measure each other from the beginning due to the danger they pose in their strikes and being aware of what they could do in the octagon. But in Rivera's first oversight, Marlon Moraes took the opportunity to launch a devastating kick to the face.
After the kick, Marlon Moraes pounced on Jimmie Rivera, who fell to the canvas and began throwing punches, prompting the referee to stop the fight and declare the Brazilian as the winner. This was his third consecutive victory and the second by TKO in the first round.
With that kick, Marlon Moraes put an end to Jimmie Rivera's winning streak that began in February 2009 when he defeated Tyler Venice at the Ring of Combat 23 event.
On the other hand, Marlon Moraes, who has a record of 21 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw, achieved his third consecutive victory and requested his opportunity to fight for the UFC bantamweight title.