MIAMI – UFC veteran Irwin Rivera had a lot to fight for on Friday evening.
At Eagle FC 46, Rivera (11-6) returned to action for the first time since September 2020, and after being released from police custody on attempted murder charges for allegedly stabbing his sisters. After a year and a half of frustration, Rivera was able to get back to action in an attempt to erase the bad taste of his legal troubles and a loss that led to his exit from the UFC.
On Friday against Firdavs Khasanov (8-4), Rivera made a statement by picking up a vicious second-round TKO finish from a crushing body kick that folded his opponent.
Check out video of the finish below (via Twitter):
WOW! 👀@Beast144_1 stops Khasanov with a BEAUTIFUL body shot in the second!#EagleFC46: Lee vs. Sanchez | LIVE NOW on @EagleOnFLX | Sign up to watch LIVE and FREE at https://t.co/QslxaipV9R pic.twitter.com/P0sYg3V2V7
— Eagle FC (@EagleFightClub) March 12, 2022
After the win, an emotional Rivera poured out his heart during the post-fight interview with Henry Cejudo, as he explained the trials and tribulations he went through in dealing with his legal problems and those who wanted to see him remain locked up. With the support of his family who were in attendance, Rivera rebounded from it all with his first stoppage victory since December 2019.
Up-to-the-minute results of Eagle FC 46 include:
- Irwin Rivera def. Firdavs Khasanov via TKO (body kick) – Round 2, 4:48
- Archie Colgan def. Dylan Mantello via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Tyler Ray def. Thomas Webb via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
- Sitik Muduev def. Caio Uruguai via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Ryder Newman def. Manny Walo via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
