Rivera to Retire after UFC on FX Bout with ‘Red’ Schafer

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Jorge Rivera’s in-cage appearance at UFC on FX 1 will be his last, according to the veteran middleweight.

Rivera first announced the news on MMA Junkie Radio on Friday afternoon, and the fighter’s intentions were confirmed during the event’s pre-fight commentary on Fuel TV.

Headlined by a pivotal lightweight confrontation between Jim Miller and Melvin Guillard, UFC on FX 1 takes place at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. Rivera, 39, squares off with Eric Schafer in the final preliminary contest on Fuel TV.

Rivera’s clash with Schafer marks the 15th Octagon outing for “El Conquistador.” Rivera made his UFC debut in 2003, outpointing David Loiseau at UFC 44.

More recently, Rivera has lost back-to-back fights after posting three straight wins from 2009 to 2010. Last year was not kind to the veteran, as Rivera was knocked out by Michael Bisping in February before dropping a split decision to Constantinos Phillipou in August.

Known for his power punching and willingness to exchange, Rivera has earned 13 of his 19 career wins by knockout. The Massachusetts native holds notable victories over Travis Lutter, Dennis Hallman, Kendall Grove and Nate Quarry, among others, and has seen the judges’ scorecards just five times in his 28 pro outings.