UFC on Fuel Results: What We Learned from Francisco Rivera vs Alex Soto

It didn’t take long for Francisco Rivera and Alex Soto to make their claim for a fight of the night bonus.

Both fighters came out throwing heavy shots, but it was the better technique of Rivera that made the difference in the bout as he rocked Soto with a ton of punches throughout the fight.

After rocking Soto in each and every round, Rivera walked away with the unanimous decision win and proved that he belongs in the UFC with his first career Octagon victory.

What we'll remember about this fight: 

While Rivera won the fight, it was the chin of Soto that will be remembered.

Rivera hit him with a ton of big right hands and high kicks, but Soto refused to go to sleep and kept on firing right back until the final bell.

What we learned about Francisco Rivera:

He may not be the most technical striker in the bantamweight division, but Rivera hits hard enough to put anyone in trouble.

It would have been nice to see him show off a bit more of a killer instinct, but overall it was a solid performance.

What we learned about Alex Soto:

Alex Soto can take a hell of a shot.

After getting cracked by big punches from Rivera, Soto actually started taunting his opponent and ate a few more shots before getting his head back together.

It was a lackluster performance from Soto, but he showed the heart that the UFC brass loves.

What's next for Rivera:

The UFC is likely going to keep Rivera on the prelims for a few more fights, so a matchup against Johnny Eduardo who beat Jeff Curran directly after this fight, would be perfect.

What's next for Soto:

Unless Joe Silva was absolutely astonished by his ability to take a punch, it looks like Soto will be fighting outside of the Octagon in his next fight.