Joe Riggs Shoots Himself While Cleaning Gun, Forced Out of UFC Return Against Paulo Thiago


(Nick Diaz described the incident as “not very gangster.” / Photo via Getty)

We’ll start with the good news: Joe Riggs is alive and safe. The bad news is, his unlikely UFC return has been postponed because he accidentally shot himself last night. From UFC.com:

Scheduled to return to the Octagon in Brasilia, Brazil on September 13 against Paulo Thiago, veteran Joe “Diesel” Riggs’s first UFC bout since 2006 has been put on hold after an accident at Riggs’ home in Arizona Monday night.

The UFC released the following statement on the incident.

“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. Riggs was transported to a nearby hospital in Arizona where he is being treated by physicians. We wish Joe a speedy recovery.”

A replacement opponent for Thiago is being sought and will be announced shortly.

Gun accidents claim the lives of hundreds of people every year in this country. We like to bust balls and crack wise on CagePotato, but this is a topic we would never joke about.

[*snort*]

We’ll keep you posted on Joe’s condition as we get more details.


(Nick Diaz described the incident as “not very gangster.” / Photo via Getty)

We’ll start with the good news: Joe Riggs is alive and safe. The bad news is, his unlikely UFC return has been postponed because he accidentally shot himself last night. From UFC.com:

Scheduled to return to the Octagon in Brasilia, Brazil on September 13 against Paulo Thiago, veteran Joe “Diesel” Riggs’s first UFC bout since 2006 has been put on hold after an accident at Riggs’ home in Arizona Monday night.

The UFC released the following statement on the incident.

“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. Riggs was transported to a nearby hospital in Arizona where he is being treated by physicians. We wish Joe a speedy recovery.”

A replacement opponent for Thiago is being sought and will be announced shortly.

Gun accidents claim the lives of hundreds of people every year in this country. We like to bust balls and crack wise on CagePotato, but this is a topic we would never joke about.

[*snort*]

We’ll keep you posted on Joe’s condition as we get more details.