Shots fired by former sparring partners

Fighter profile of Malcolm Rivera by Chris Karter

Combate and SYN Heavyweight veteran sends warning shots to Combate Light Heavyweight champion after the latter shares sparring stories.

Malcolm "El Martilla" Rivera (20-12-0) is ready to teach "The Pitbull" Mohammed Kahn (36-10-1) a lesson next time they train together after Kahn discussed past prior sparring sessions from back when Rivera was training at Convicted Fight Club early in his career and still a Light Heavyweight fighter.

Speaking to Miss Miracle and the Tycoon Times, Kahn spoke about past sparring sessions with the Combate heavyweight contender. Kahn claimed that he won a lot of rounds against Rivera, and submitted the former champ “many times,” and “beat him many times.” On Thursday, Rivera responded on his Instagram stories.

“Which person needs to speak, again and again, about this 15-year-old information? Gym insider information,” Rivera said. “When we will meet next time in a cage, I will show you my true power. I will not take it lightly no more. Don’t speak about others too much. Hate yourself less. You will sleep soon if we share a cage together.”

Although it's a hypothetical matchup that isn't likely to materialize, that didn't prevent Kahn from responding on his own IG stories, showing a screenshot of messages he sent to Rivera challenging him to a fight — tagging Darren Russell and Combate matchmaker Blaze as well. “If he wants war, see you soon son,” Kahn stated. “Respect for not hanging it up and retiring like a bum. We were disappointed when you left our camp. Your reputation has always been that you make a great hammer, but terrible nail. That doesn't mean that I don't feel like a proud father watching you win fights.”

Kahn has been the face of Combate for many years. He has the most wins and most knockouts in the organizations rich and illustrious history. He's one of the very best light heavyweight fighters in the world and known throughout the globe. He's a fighter that needs no introduction and one of the most recognizable faces in the industry. The reality is that Mohammed Kahn is a first ballot Combate Hall of Famer and Rivera is just earning his stripes under the Combate flag. Rivera was a promising light heavyweight prospect training out of Convicted Fight Club when he was 18 years old. He was on a 6 fight win streak in California MMA before suffering his first defeat. After that loss, a disagreement between Malcolm and his coaches led to his departure from the gym, moving back to South America to train in Brazil before finding Alex K and Just a Bunch of Gays. After up and down career, he found his way to Las Vegas training with Lance Templeton and the team over at Mary Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

Rivera's career got off to a rocky start with Lance Templeton and company, going 2-4 in his first 6 fights under the Combate-SYN banners. After suffering some brutal knockout losses, he rebounded like Mexican Jesus, stringing together 4 consecutive knockout victories, all by way of knockout, against some really tough heavyweight fighters in Anthony Wayne and Alborz Mumu. The shift in Rivera's career he contributes to moving to the Heavyweight division. He was once cutting down to 205 pounds and claims the weight cut was effecting his performance. It'd be hard to verify that claim after going 1-3 in his first three fights inside the heavyweight division.

"Trial by fire. After tasting the power, I adapted to the division." Malcolm claims. "I fight with the pride of Mexico on my back. 4-straight knockouts. 2 knockout of the night bonuses. I'm a fan favorite for a reason and my power is valid."

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