Francisco Rivera was en route to one of the best performances of his life against his toughest opponent. After a very close first round, one in which many thought Rivera won, Urijah Faber put an open hand out to get distance as Rivera feinted.
As Faber's hand extended, one of his fingers poked Rivera deep in his left eye. Rivera was immediately blinded in both eyes and staggered. Referee Mario Yamasaki didn't see it and Faber capitalized with a flurry against the cage and a choke that finished the fight.
The whole scene at UFC 181 last December went by so fast, Rivera says now.