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 years old, Riddle has been out of the MMA spotlight for a decade but appears ready to step back into either the ring or the cage in the near future.
Riddle's career has been marked by a series of highs and lows, with his tenure in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) ending on a controversial note. Despite leaving the organization on a four-fight winning streak, two of those victories were later overturned due to Riddle testing positive for marijuana. The departure from UFC was further marred by public criticism from UFC President Dana White. However, it seems that time has healed some wounds, as Riddle reflects on the past with a sense of gratitude.
Exploring New Opportunities
Since stepping away from MMA, Riddle has not been idle. He transitioned to professional wrestling in 2014 and quickly made a name for himself, debuting in 2015 after intense training. His natural charisma and athletic prowess led him to success in various independent promotions, where he captured several titles. In 2018, Riddle's career took another significant leap when he joined WWE NXT, eventually securing the NXT Tag Team Championship alongside Pete Dunne.
Riddle's ascent continued as he moved to the main roster, clinching the United States Championship in February 2021. His partnership with veteran wrestler Randy Orton in the tag team "RK-Bro" proved to be a winning combination, with the duo capturing the Raw Tag Team Championship twice. Despite this success in the squared circle, Riddle has maintained his fighting edge, practicing martial arts multiple times a week and holding a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu—a testament to his dedication and skill.
Potential Suitors and the Road Ahead
While details remain scarce, Riddle has confirmed discussions with various companies about a possible return to combat sports. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter has reported interest from bare-knuckle boxing organizations and the Professional Fighters League (PFL), indicating a range of options for Riddle's potential comeback.
Riddle's last foray into MMA was a bout against Michael Kuiper for Titan FC in February 2014, marking a brief stint outside the UFC. His appearance at the Jake Paul vs. Andre August boxing match in Orlando suggests that his interest in combat sports remains undiminished. It also raises the question of whether his return could involve ventures beyond traditional MMA.
Riddle Reflects on the Past and Looks to the Future
In conversations with MMA Junkie, Riddle has expressed a mix of nostalgia and anticipation. He acknowledges the role that Dana White's criticism played in shaping his "bro" character, which has become a beloved persona among wrestling fans. This connection with the audience has fueled Riddle's success in professional wrestling, yet the allure of unfinished business in MMA beckons.
Riddle's laid-back demeanor belies a competitive spirit that is eager for challenge and confrontation. "I never say never," he states, indicating that despite past grievances, he remains open to opportunities that present themselves. His desire to "get beat up" and to potentially "have [his] exit" from combat sports on his own terms reveals a fighter who is not content with what he has already achieved.
The journey from the UFC to the wrestling ring and potentially back to MMA is uncommon, but Riddle is not your typical athlete. His multifaceted career and ability to adapt to different arenas of combat sport make his potential return an intriguing prospect. Whether he will continue his winning ways or find a more definitive closure to his fighting career remains to be seen.
As the combat sports world watches with bated breath, Matt Riddle's next steps promise to be as unpredictable and exciting as his previous endeavors. With his free agent status and a clear desire to compete, 2024 may well see the return of a seasoned competitor looking to make his mark once again in the realm of MMA.