Rivera says UFC Phoenix fight with Vera is off: 'It makes me look like a bully'

Jimmie Rivera won't be fighting next Sunday after all.

After the promotion announced Marlon Vera would step in for the injured Bryan Caraway on short notice to face him at UFC Fight Night 103 in Phoenix on Jan. 15, Rivera made an announcement of his own Saturday, stating he won't be competing on the card and citing an "opponent injury."

The sixth-ranked bantamweight contender later revealed he'd initially agreed to face the little-known Vera, but changed his tune once he'd determined the bout would do little to improve his standing in the 135-pound title picture.

"I found out Monday Caraway was out," Rivera told MMAFighting’s Ariel Helwani. "Didn't find anyone new until Thursday. My coach and I discussed that it wouldn't be a fair fight for the guy. I'm not bullying some guy who wins some and loses some. I want to fight the best of the best. I trained for Caraway, so either I wait for him to get better or fight someone at the very top of the weight class."

Rivera added, "All I ask, if it's going to be replacement, give me someone who's going to benefit me. If I fight Vera, it makes me look like a bully and I teach my kids not to be a bully. Plus, he's got a daughter that he's trying to make money to get her surgery done. I got a heart, man, I can't stand there and stop that."

Rivera has won 19 straight fights and owns a promotional record of 4-0, most recently taking a unanimous decision over Urijah Faber at UFC 203.