Matt Riddle Eyes a Potential Return to MMA in 2024
Former UFC fighter and current professional wrestling star Matt Riddle has hinted at a possible return to mixed martial arts (MMA) competition in 2024. At the age of 37, Riddle is considering stepping back into the ring or cage after nearly a decade away from professional fighting.
Riddle's combat sports journey has been anything but conventional. After leaving the UFC on a high note with a four-fight winning streak in 2013, he transitioned to professional wrestling, where he has achieved significant success. Despite his achievements in the squared circle, Riddle has maintained his connection to martial arts, continuing his practice several times a week and holding a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Negotiations Behind the Scenes
While Riddle remains tight-lipped about the specifics, he has confirmed ongoing discussions with various fight promotions. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter has reported potential interest from both bare-knuckle fighting organizations and the Professional Fighters League (PFL). However, details of these negotiations have not been disclosed, keeping fans and industry insiders speculating about his next move.
A Look Back at Riddle's MMA Career
Riddle's last appearance in an MMA fight was in February 2014 against Michael Kuiper under the Titan FC banner. Before that, his tenure with the UFC ended controversially. Although he exited with a series of victories, two of those were overturned due to failed drug tests for marijuana. This led to public criticism from UFC President Dana White. Despite the rocky end to his UFC career, Riddle acknowledges White's role in his subsequent rise in professional wrestling, suggesting that White's comments helped him connect with fans and develop his 'bro' character.
As a free agent, Riddle has the flexibility to navigate his career path forward without contractual restrictions. His time since leaving MMA has been marked by a successful pivot to professional wrestling, where he began training in 2014 and made his debut the following year. He quickly became a prominent figure on the independent circuit, capturing several titles before joining WWE NXT in 2018. There, he secured the NXT Tag Team Championship with Pete Dunne and later ascended to the main roster, claiming the United States Championship in February 2021.
Championship Success and "RK-Bro"
Riddle's wrestling accolades did not stop with individual titles. He formed a popular tag team known as "RK-Bro" with veteran wrestler Randy Orton. Together, they captured the Raw Tag Team Championship twice, cementing Riddle's status as a versatile and charismatic performer within WWE.
Riddle's Continued Connection to Combat Sports
Even as his professional wrestling career flourished, Riddle never strayed far from the combat sports scene. His presence at high-profile boxing matches, such as the Jake Paul vs. Andre August bout in Orlando, indicates his continued interest in the fighting world. It's this passion for combat that fuels speculation about his return to active competition in MMA.
Riddle's Perspective on the Future
In conversations with MMA Junkie, Riddle expressed a mix of nostalgia for his fighting days and excitement for what lies ahead. "There's been a lot of talk. I've been talking to a couple of promotions," he said. "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."
Despite his contentious departure from the UFC, Riddle harbors no ill will. "I never say never," he remarked when discussing the possibility of mending fences. "If the opportunity is right. I don't really hold a grudge." His pragmatic approach reflects both an appreciation for his past and an eagerness to confront new challenges.
"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 reflected. His transition to wrestling wasn't an escape but rather an expansion of his athletic repertoire. "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?"
With his competitive spirit undiminished, the prospect of Matt Riddle's return to MMA adds an intriguing chapter to an already storied career. As 2024 approaches, the fighting world watches with anticipation to see whether this multifaceted athlete will once again grace the MMA