New York’s MMA “Underground King”
by Jacqueline Cucco and Sonja Hansen
Professional MMA fighting is banned in New York. But Kenny Rivera stays, along with what he says is only a handful of other pro fighters that live in New York.
Because New York lacks a pro scene, fighters at both amateur and pro levels have been known to compete in the illegal MMA underground events, at great danger to participants. Rivera used to be known as the “Underground King.” Getting caught participating in underground MMA fights has huge consequences. Since he went pro in 2013, Rivera has dropped out of the underground scene in hopes of making it big in the UFC.
Rivera is originally from Puerto Rico and has lived in London and California before he moved to New York City when he was 16. Today, he spends the majority of his time training in New York. He travels out of state to participate in professional fights in the featherweight division. Having an extra job is necessary to cover his living and travel expenses. He works in a union primarily doing construction and teaches MMA classes. Despite the difficulties, Rivera wouldn’t consider leaving New York. His friends, his family (he is the father to twin boys), and his loyal following can’t be left behind.
Rivera hopes to be scouted by the UFC at his upcoming fight in Atlantic City, NJ on November 20, 2015. His ultimate goal is to be a UFC fighter and he won’t stop until he succeeds.
