Jorge Rivera reflects on UFC Fight Night 21 win over Nate Quarry

*Please visit FiveKnuckles.com for more mixed martial arts media*

"The fight was good. I couldn't finish him in the first round because honestly I got tired. I got a little tired so I took his back and I was like 'I'll ding him up a little bit and catch my breath.' I got over to my corner and told my cornerman 'I'm a little tired.' He slowed my breathing down, I caught my breath again and I was ready to go. I felt like he was overcommitting on some of the things so I would fake, let him come in and that allowed me to get the 1-2, which eventually won the fight. Real simple mechanics, real simple boxing, nothing too complicated and I've always felt the basics are gonna win the fight for you so as long as you keep it simple and he falls into it, that's what's up. I got a real good thing right now and [my heart is] strong, so you're gonna see me a lot more."-Jorge Rivera

12-time UFC veteran and rising middleweight contender Jorge Rivera talks about his very impressive second round TKO win over former UFC middleweight title contender Nate Quarry, which took place on the Spike TV-televised main card portion of this past Wednesday's UFC Fight Night 21 event. 

Rivera's stoppage win over Quarry closely rivals his third round TKO win over Rob Kimmons at UFC 104, his first round Knockout win over Kendall Grove at UFC 80, and his unanimous decision win over David Loiseau at UFC 44 as his most impressive Octagon win to date.

The victory was Rivera's third straight, with previous wins coming over Nissen Osterneck and the aforementioned Kimmons. Prior to his career resurgence, he was contemplating retirement following a 1-2 stretch that saw him suffer first round stoppage losses to Terry Martin and Martin Kampmann.

Rivera has put together a solid 7-5 record with the UFC since his debut with the promotion in September 2003. He has scored other Octagon wins over Dennis Hallman and Edwin Dewees; while suffering other UFC losses to Chris Leben, Lee Murray and former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin.

Rivera will be taking some much deserved rest, but it wont be for long as the Massachusetts resident aims to fight on the UFC's very first event in Boston on August 28.