Rivera admitted to stabbing his two sisters in Florida.
[CW: The following story includes graphic details of attempted murder]
UFC bantamweight Irwin Rivera was arrested on Thursday on two counts of attempted murder after admitting to stabbing his two sisters in Boynton Beach, Florida. MyMMANews’ Eric Kowal first reported the story, with public records confirming that Rivera is currently being held at the Main Detention Center in West Palm Beach.
The online court records filed Rivera’s charges as “HOMICIDE – MURDER FIRST DEGREE PREMEDITATED,” but the police document confirmed it’s actually two counts of attempted murder.
According to the Boynton Beach Police Department, Rivera’s 22-year-old sister suffered multiple stab wounds to her head, back, and arms, as well as two collapsed lungs. Rivera’s other sister, 33, had stab wounds to her back, face, arms, and hands. Both women were taken to Delray Medical Center.
Boca News Now obtained the affidavit for probable cause, which includes an apparent taped admission from Rivera that he believed he’d murdered both of his sisters.
At approximately 7 a.m., Delray Beach Police made contact with him where upon making contact Irwing spontaneously uttered, “I killed my sisters.”
In a sworn, taped interview, Irwing admitted to stabbing both of his sisters. Irwing said that when he entered his sister’s bedroom while they were sleeping and began stabbing them with a brass knuckle knife. Irwing believed that he killed both of his sisters and said that he did so because it was his purpose which he was told to by a higher power.
Rivera (10-6) made his UFC debut last May, dropping a short notice decision to Giga Chikadze. After a win over Ali AlQaisi, Rivera lost a split decision to Andre Ewell in September and was reportedly scheduled to face Ray Rodriguez on March 13th.
The UFC did release a statement to MMA Fighting regarding the incident, indicating that they haven’t yet released him but instead will put any fight offers on pause.
“UFC is aware of the recent incident involving Irwin Rivera and subsequently received information from his management that he has been exhibiting behavior consistent with mental health issues,” the statement read. “The allegations are extremely troubling and the organization is currently gathering additional information. The investigation is ongoing and any potential next steps including disciplinary action or medical attention will be determined upon the conclusion. Furthermore, UFC has informed Rivera’s management that he will not be offered a bout at this time.”