A Tiger Schulmann MMA product, Jimmie Rivera started his career in 2007 when he was 18 years old. After compiling an undefeated 7–0 record as an amateur within only two years, he moved to professional mixed martial arts. As a professional, he fought only for New Jersey's promotion Ring of Combat before signing with Bellator in 2009.
Bellator Fighting Championships
Rivera made his debut on April 10, 2009 at Bellator 2 against Willie Gates. Rivera won via submission in the third round. Rivera faced Nick Garcia on June 12, 2009 at Bellator 11. He defeated Garcia via unanimous decision.
Rivera faced Abel Cullum on September 17, 2010 for the KOTC flyweight title. Rivera won via split decision after five rounds and became the new champion. Rivera made a title defense against Jared Papazian on February 3, 2011. After five rounds he won via unanimous decision and retained his belt.
Rivera appeared in the first episode of . He lost via TKO in the second round against Dennis Bermudez during the entry round.
Return to Ring of Combat
Rivera returned to ROC on June 15, 2012 against Justin Hickey for the bantamweight title. He won the title via unanimous decision in a three-round match. Rivera defended his belt once against Joel Roberts on September 14, 2012. Rivera was expected to face Anthony Leone on November 18, 2011. It was rescheduled to happen on April 27, 2012, but for undisclosed reasons the fight was scrapped.
Rivera faced Sidemar Honório on September 14, 2013 at WSOF 5. He was able to come through after taking a significant amount of damage in the first round, and managed to recover in the second and third rounds using his strength and wrestling skills. Rivera won the fight via unanimous decision.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Rivera made his promotional debut and faced Marcus Brimage on July 18, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 72, replacing an injured Ian Entwistle. He won the fight via KO in the first round. Rivera faced Pedro Munhoz on November 7, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 77. He won the fight via split decision. Rivera faced Iuri Alcântara on January 30, 2016 at UFC on Fox 18. He won the fight by unanimous decision. The win also earned Rivera his first Fight of the Night bonus award. Rivera faced Urijah Faber on September 10, 2016 at UFC 203. He won the fight by unanimous decision. Rivera was expected to face Bryan Caraway on January 15, 2017 at UFC Fight Night 103. However, Caraway pulled out of the fight citing an injury, and Rivera rejected the replacement Marlon Vera due to the lack of rank and relevance in the division. Rivera faced Thomas Almeida on July 22, 2017 at UFC on Fox 25. He won the fight by unanimous decision, extending his win streak to 20. Rivera was expected to face Dominick Cruz on December 30, 2017 at UFC 219. However Cruz suffered a broken arm in training and had to pull out of the fight, and he was replaced by John Lineker. On December 24, Lineker pulled out of the fight citing a tooth infection. After a failed negotiation with Marlon Moraes in attempt to remain on the card, Rivera announced that he will not compete at the event. Rivera faced Marlon Moraes on June 1, 2018 in the main event at UFC Fight Night 131. He lost the fight by knockout in the first round due to a head kick and punches. This marked the first time Rivera has been finished in his professional MMA career. Rivera faced John Dodson on September 8, 2018 at UFC 228. He won the fight via unanimous decision. Rivera faced Aljamain Sterling on February 17, 2019 at. He lost the fight by unanimous decision. Rivera faced Petr Yan on June 8, 2019 at UFC 238. He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Rivera was scheduled to face Marlon Vera on February 8, 2020 at UFC 247. However, Rivera pulled out of the fight on January 23 citing an injury. Promotion officials have not announced whether or not Vera would remain on the card against a replacement, or if the pairing with Rivera would remain intact and rescheduled for a future event. Rivera faced Cody Stamann in a featherweight bout on July 16, 2020 at. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
