Back in 2016, Francisco Rivera was dealt with a four-year suspension after testing positive for the banned substance clenbuterol during an out-of-competition urine sample.
At the time, the bantamweight was 34, so the fact that he was hit with a four-year suspension was a major blow for Rivera as he was in the prime of his UFC career. Fast forward to four years later, and the 38-year-old’s suspension ends in three months and the fighter would love to finish off his career within the biggest MMA promotion on the planet:
“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.
“Now I feel like anybody who fights exciting and puts on a show, who puts on an act, can make a run in the UFC. Win or lose, and I’m definitely gonna try and make my way back – or if I could just get one more fight and see what happens and get back to doing what I do best, and that’s fighting.”
Not surprisingly, Rivera has been training during his time away from the octagon. The bantamweight is hoping to bounce back in the UFC in a big way as Rivera left in the midst of a three-fight losing streak. The California native is simply asking for one more shot, and if he can’t win his first fight back then he’ll consider retirement:
“I have Sean Shelby’s number,” Rivera said. “Me and Sean Shelby have been friends for all these years. We still text each other once in a while, and I know if I text him and tell him I’m ready, and maybe I could do it down at the PI and show him how good of shape I am, maybe he’ll give me a fight – or let me go out with one more fight and if I lose, retire. If I put on a show and win, just start from there. You never know. I’ve seen crazier things happen.”