Matt Riddle Teases MMA Return in 2024 Amidst Wrestling Success
Matt Riddle Eyes a Return to MMA in 2024
Former UFC fighter and current professional wrestling star Matt Riddle has hinted at a potential return to mixed martial arts (MMA) competition in 2024. At 37, Riddle has been out of the MMA spotlight for a decade but remains a relevant figure due to his successful crossover into professional wrestling.
Riddle has been in talks with various organizations about a possible comeback, though he has chosen to keep the details under wraps until plans are finalized. According to reports from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, there have been discussions of potential offers from both bare-knuckle fighting promotions and the Professional Fighters League (PFL), indicating that Riddle's return could take several forms.
Looking Back at Riddle's MMA Career
The last time fans saw Riddle compete in an MMA fight was in February 2014 when he faced Michael Kuiper at Titan FC. Before making his departure from the UFC in 2013, Riddle had compiled a four-fight winning streak, capped off by a victory over Che Mills. However, two of these wins were later overturned after Riddle tested positive for marijuana, leading to a controversial exit from the UFC.
UFC President Dana White publicly criticized Riddle following his release, a move which Riddle believes inadvertently helped him forge a new path. The notoriety gained from this public spat contributed to the development of his 'bro' persona, which would become a cornerstone of his professional wrestling character.
Despite the rocky end to his UFC tenure, Riddle harbors no ill will. "I never say never," he stated, suggesting that if the conditions were right, he might be open to working with the UFC again.
Riddle's Transition to Professional Wrestling
After leaving MMA, Riddle quickly transitioned to professional wrestling, beginning his training in 2014 and making his debut the following year. He found success on the independent circuit, capturing several titles and building a name for himself among wrestling aficionados.
In 2018, Riddle's hard work paid off when he was signed to WWE NXT, where he continued to impress, winning the NXT Tag Team Championship alongside Pete Dunne. His momentum carried him to WWE's main roster, where he claimed the United States Championship in February 2021.
Riddle's charisma and athletic prowess also led to the formation of the tag team "RK-Bro" with veteran wrestler Randy Orton. Together, they captured the Raw Tag Team Championship twice, cementing Riddle's status as a key player in the world of professional wrestling.
Maintaining Combat Readiness
Even as his wrestling career flourished, Riddle never strayed far from his combat sports roots. He continues to practice martial arts multiple times a week and holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, ensuring that he remains in fighting shape should he decide to step back into the cage.
His presence at high-profile combat sports events, such as the Jake Paul vs. Andre August boxing match in Orlando, keeps him connected to the fight community and fuels speculation about his return to active competition.
The Road Ahead
As Riddle contemplates his future, he reflects on his journey with a sense of pride and a desire for closure. "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," he said. Pro wrestling has been good to him, but the allure of competition still calls. "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?"
While Riddle's plans remain uncertain, one thing is clear: his competitive spirit is as strong as ever. Whether he returns to the ring or the cage, fans can expect the same tenacity and heart that have defined his career thus far. As we look ahead to 2024, the prospect of Matt Riddle's return to MMA adds an exciting chapter to the story of a fighter who has successfully navigated the worlds of both MMA and professional wrestling.
