Joe Riggs’ (pictured) return to the UFC will have to wait for another day. On Tuesday, the promotion announced the veteran will be forced to withdraw from his September 13 scrap against Paulo Thiago after accidentally shooting himself.
True story.
“We were made aware that newly-signed UFC competitor Joe Riggs was involved in an unfortunate accident last night. While cleaning his permitted firearm (a pistol), the gun discharged, injuring his hand and upper thigh,” the UFC expressed in an official statement. “Riggs was transported to a nearby hospital in Arizona where he is being treated by physicians. We wish Joe a speedy recovery.”
Riggs agreed to replace injured Mike Rhodes to face Thiago inside Nilson Nelson Gymnasium in Brasilia, Brazil. The UFC is now scouring the globe for a substitute for Riggs.
Riggs exited the UFC in 2006 after a knockout loss to Diego Sanchez. The 31-year-old was brought back on the strength of a six-fight winning streak.
Here is the card’s current lineup:
Efrain Escudero vs. Francisco Trinaldo
Jessica Andrade vs. Valerie Letourneau
Igor Araujo vs. George Sullivan
Paulo Thiago vs. TBD
Rani Yahya vs. Johnny Bedford
Sergio Moraes vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio
Dashon Johnson vs. Godofredo Pepey
Lukasz Sajewski vs. Leonardo Santos
Piotr Hallman vs. Gleison Tibau
Andrei Arlovski vs. Antonio Silva
Loading ...