Matt Riddle has resurfaced with a new organization. The question now is, will he actually fight for them?
Riddle has agreed to fight fellow former UFC fighter Michael Kuiper in the co-main event of Titan Fighting Championship 27 on Feb. 28 in middleweight action, according to Titan FC CEO Jeff Aronson. The event, headlined by Mike Ricci vs. Jorge Gurgel, is expected to air on CBS Sports Network from Memorial Hall in Kansas City, KS.
Since his release from the UFC in early 2013 for a second failed drug test for marijuana, Riddle signed with Legacy Fighting Championship, but he never fought for them. He later signed with Bellator MMA, but after a rib injury delayed his debut, a disgruntled Riddle announced his retirement from the sport. A month later, Bellator announced his return on a card in his home state of Pennsylvania, only to later announce that he withdrew from the fight and was subsequently released from the organization.
“He’s being exceptionally cooperative,” Aronson said.
Riddle (7-3, 2 NC) last fought in Feb. 2013 when he defeated Che Mills via split decision. The win was later overturned to a no contest after he tested positive for marijuana after the fight. That marked the second positive drug test in three fights for Riddle.
Kuiper (12-3) was released from the UFC following an Oct. 2013 loss to Brad Scott via first-round guillotine choke. The Dutch fighter went 1-3 inside the Octagon after entering 11-0.
Aronson is the new majority owner of Titan FC and is in the process of rebranding the organization with familiar names as it enters a new era on a new television network.