Matt Riddle confirms plans to return to MMA, eyes middleweight fight by end of 2024
Former WWE wrestler Matt Riddle is planning to return to the cage or ring somewhat soon.
Matt Riddle had a pretty interesting MMA run. A former high school and collegiate wrestler who had once defeated Jon Jones on the mat, he made it on The Ultimate Fighter 7. That’s despite the fact, that he had no professional fights. Riddle didn’t win the middleweight tournament on the show, but had a successful run in the UFC nonetheless.
From 2008 to 2013, Matt Riddle racked up a 7-3 (2 NC) record inside the cage. Those no-contests were famously overturned wins due to failed drug tests for marijuana. Those drug issues, as well as a public feud with Dana White, led to his release in 2013. Riddle later had a one-off fight in Titan FC, but instead focused on a career in professional wrestling.
The former middleweight contender had a lengthy run on the independent scene, before signing with the WWE in 2018. Matt Riddle had a solid run in the Triple H-led company but parted ways with them last September. Now a free agent, the former fighter is down for a return to the world of MMA.
The professional wrestler appeared on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani earlier today. There, Matt Riddle confirmed plans to fight later this year, back down at middleweight. While the UFC veteran hasn’t started talks with anyone, he did show interest in potentially signing with Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred MMA.
Image via: MMA Junkie on YouTube
Former WWE superstar Matt Riddle reveals plans to return to MMA in 2024
“I want to be in a cage or ring at some point, hopefully by the end of 2024.” Former WWE star Matt Riddle stated on The MMA Hour earlier today. “I would love to [fight]… I saw you’ve got Masvidal with the Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA. Maybe get me somebody that won’t steamroll me, but you know. Let me shake off the dust.”
He continued, “I weigh 211 pounds, 211 [right now]. I will probably drop down to middleweight. Well, it depends on who you give me. Depends on the fight. No [I can’t do welterweight anymore], no way dude.”
As far as Matt Riddle’s professional wrestling career is concerned, he revealed on The MMA Hour that he’s had no discussions with signing with the AEW. After his WWE release, the former star began to wrestle in New Japan Pro Wrestling instead. However, it seems that his time could be ending there shortly, given his interest in the cage.
What do you make of these comments? Do you want to see Matt Riddle return to the world of MMA again?
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
Topics:
Matt Riddle WWE News
