A Potential Return to MMA for Matt Riddle in 2024
Former UFC fighter and current professional wrestler, Matt Riddle, has hinted at a potential return to mixed martial arts (MMA) in the year 2024. At 37 years old, Riddle's combat sports career has been diverse and eventful, with notable achievements both inside the cage and in the wrestling ring.
Although specific details remain under wraps, Riddle has engaged in conversations with various fighting organizations. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter has brought to light potential offers from the realm of bare-knuckle fighting and the Professional Fighters League (PFL), indicating a broad spectrum of interest in Riddle's return to combat sports.
Riddle's tenure in MMA concluded with a bout against Michael Kuiper at Titan FC in February 2014. Before that, he had an impressive run in the UFC, leaving the promotion on a four-fight winning streak after triumphing over Che Mills in 2013. However, his record is blemished by two victories that were overturned due to failed drug tests for marijuana—a substance that has since seen shifting perceptions and regulations in many athletic commissions.
The departure from the UFC was not without controversy, as Dana White, President of the UFC, publicly criticized Riddle. Despite this, Riddle sees a silver lining in the situation. "I have to thank Dana, because if he were to just fire me and not say anything, nobody probably would've knew about me," Riddle reflected. His dismissal and the subsequent attention helped shape his "bro" persona, which has become a cornerstone of his wrestling character, resonating with fans around the world.
After transitioning to professional wrestling in 2014, Riddle quickly made a name for himself on the independent circuit, capturing several titles and showcasing his athletic prowess. His wrestling career ascended further when he joined WWE NXT in 2018, where he claimed the NXT Tag Team Championship alongside Pete Dunne. By February 2021, Riddle had secured the United States Championship and went on to form the popular tag team "RK-Bro" with Randy Orton, winning the Raw Tag Team Championship twice.
Despite his success in wrestling, Riddle maintains a strong connection to his martial arts roots, training multiple times a week and holding a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. This dedication to combat sports was evident when he was spotted at the Jake Paul vs. Andre August boxing match in Orlando, signaling his continued interest in the fighting world.
In discussions with MMA Junkie, Riddle expressed his openness to stepping back into competitive fighting, stating, "There's been a lot of talk. I've been talking to a couple of promotions. I don't want to get into it until it's official, but I think in 2024 there's a very big possibility that I get back in the ring or cage pretty soon." His comments suggest that while nothing is set in stone, the gears are in motion for what could be a remarkable comeback.
Riddle's approach to his past with the UFC and his potential future in fighting is pragmatic and devoid of bitterness. "I never say never," he remarked. "If the opportunity is right. I don't really hold a grudge." He reminisces about his exit from the UFC with a sense of unfinished business: "I feel like I left the UFC on a four-fight win streak, then won another fight in Titan FC. I just kind of left and went to pro wrestling," Riddle said. "I did good (and am) still doing it. Pro wrestling is awesome, but I still want to get beat up. I want to have my exit. We'll see. Maybe somebody beats me up. Maybe I keep winning. Who knows?"
As Riddle currently stands as a free agent, the flexibility in his career choices allows him to navigate between wrestling and fighting with relative ease. Whether his path leads him back to the cage or continues in the wrestling ring, one thing is certain: Matt Riddle's competitive spirit remains as fiery as ever, and his fans are eager to follow him wherever his journey takes him next.