UFC Vet Matt Riddle Withdraws from Bellator Tournament, Retires from MMA

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UFC veteran and recent Bellator MMA signee Matt Riddle has announced both his withdrawal from Bellator’s Season 9 welterweight tournament and his retirement from mixed martial arts.

“I’m retiring from MMA today. I cracked my rib, and I can’t fight Sept. 20,” Riddle wrote on Twitter. “Bellator can’t give me a fight this year, so I can’t afford it!”

Riddle, 27, signed with Bellator in May and was expected to make his promotional debut at Bellator 100 against Luis Sergio Teotonio da Fonseca Melo Jr. in the Season 9 tournament quarterfinals. It appears Bellator will need to find a replacement opponent for “Sergio Junior.”

Riddle was introduced to MMA fans as a cast member on “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 7 and kicked off his UFC career with five wins in his first six fights. However, Riddle -- who is a medical marijuana patient in Nevada -- was released by the Zuffa-owned organization earlier this year after testing positive for cannabis twice in his last three fights. Riddle never competed outside the Octagon and ends his pro career with a mark of 7-3, with two no-contests.