Jimmie Rivera (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Jimmie Rivera will battle fellow bantamweight contender Marlon Moraes on June 1st, and the New Jersey fighter says a win will leave no question, as to who is the division’s #1 contender.

Recently it was announced that the match-up will be part of UFC Fight Night 130, which will take place in Utica. The bout will mark the first time Rivera (21-1) has fought since last July, when he earned a decision win over Thomas Almeida. Moraes (20-5-1), meanwhile, competed in December, and knocked out Aljamain Sterling.

Recently Rivera spoke with MMA Junkie, and while discussing what’s on the line at UFC FN 130, he said this:

“They never guarantee something because at the end of the day it’s business and they’re a business,” Rivers said. “But it would be only makes sense. Anything can change – look how many times the T.J. vs. ‘DJ’ fight has been on and off, and now I think it’s not happening – so I understand the business. But, this should be for No. 1 contender.”

“It’s a big jump, it’s a big deal,” Rivera said. “I go in there and beat Marlon and it’s six fights in a row that I’ve won (in the UFC). There’s no question or doubt that I deserve a title shot.”

Since joining the UFC in 2015, Rivera has won five straight bouts. Moraes has gone 2-1 in the Octagon thus far.