Caraway Out of UFC FN 103, Rivera Needs Opponent

An important clash in the bantamweight division has been scrapped: #5 ranked Bryan Caraway has sustained an injury and has withdrawn from his fight with #6 Jimmie Rivera at UFC Fight Night 103, which takes place next weekend in Phoenix.

MMAJunkie reported the news after confirming with the UFC.

The promotion is searching for an opponent for Rivera, who is one of the most promising rising contenders in the 135-lb. division.

Caraway last fought in May, where he upset undefeated Aljamain Sterling by split decision. He looked to put himself in title contention with a win over Rivera, but his streak of inactivity continues as he was forced to pull out at the last hour.

Rivera gave a breakout performance at UFC 203 in Cleveland, defeating bantamweight legend Urijah Faber by unanimous decision. 4-0 in the UFC, Rivera got the big-name victory he needed to propel himself into the top 10 of the division.

It will be difficult for the promotion to find a top bantamweight to book against Rivera on less than two weeks’ notice.

UFC Fight Night 103 is headlined by the return of former two-division champion B.J. Penn, who takes on the dynamic featherweight prospect Yair Rodriguez.