Ex-UFC fighter Francisco Rivera booked to compete in first fight since 2016 USADA suspension

Ex-UFC fighter Francisco Rivera is back.

Following the conclusion of a four-year USADA suspension and subsequent COVID-19-induced delays, Rivera (11-7) has booked his return fight for XMMA. The event takes place Jan. 30 at Palm Beach Convention Center in Palm Beach, Fla., and <a href=" Rivera, 39, competed at bantamweight for the duration of his 10-fight UFC tenure. However, he will move up to 145 pounds for this fight to take on Bellator and LFA alum Ryan Lilley (10-6). It'll be 54 months in between fights for Rivera when he steps in the cage. His most recent fight took place at UFC 201 in July 2016, when he lost a unanimous decision to Erik Perez on the pay-per-view main card. On July 23, 2016, Rivera presented an out-of-competition sample to USADA that, when analyzed, tested positive for banned substance clenbuterol. Rivera was the second fighter to receive a USADA suspension following the UFC’s implementation of the partnership program.

Rivera claimed he had traveled to Northern Mexico and ate meat contaminated with the substance – an issue that other UFC fighters had encountered. However, he was unable to provide independently verifiable evidence of his travels. Furthermore, an arbitrator determined Rivera had falsified evidence. As a result, his standard two-year suspension was increased to four years.

Eligible to fight in July 2020, Rivera spoke to MMA Junkie this past April about his MMA comeback.

“I know I can still put on great shows,” Rivera told MMA Junkie. “I’m definitely one of the best bantamweight fighters who ever fought in the UFC that, the way I fight. I’m always looking for a knockout. I’m always looking for excitement. I’m never one to put on a boring fight and I think now would be the best time to make a comeback to the UFC because fans love the way I fight – especially now. I feel like it’s more entertainment now.”

XMMA’s Jan. 30 event also features UFC veterans James Vick, Marcelo Golm and Kyle Bochniak among other MMA notables.