Ex-UFC, WWE star Matt Riddle says combat sports return strong possibility in 2024: ‘I’ve had that itch’

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LAS VEGAS – The tale of Matt Riddle in MMA is a unique story, but apparently there are still chapters to be written.

It’s been a decade since Riddle (8-3) stepped into the cage for an unscripted fight, but that could change very soon. Riddle, who is currently a free agent following his WWE departure, has fighting back in focus.

“There’s been a lot of talk. I’ve been talking to a couple of promotions,” Riddle told MMA Junkie on the World MMA Awards red carpet outside of Sahara Theater. “I don’t want to get into it until it’s official, but I think in 2024 there’s a very big possibility that I get back in the ring or cage pretty soon.”

Riddle last competed in MMA nearly a decade ago, in February 2014, during a one-off for Titan FC. The bout remains his only one following an unceremonious exit from the UFC in 2013. He departed the promotion on a four-fight winning streak, but two failed drug tests for marijuana overturned two of the results.

Riddle was ripped on the way out the door by UFC CEO Dana White, who took exception to Riddle’s unwillingness to comply with state and promotion guidelines.

“I have to thank Dana, because if he were to just fire me and not say anything, nobody probably would’ve knew about me,” Riddle said. “Putting me on blast and doing that, I think a lot of people could relate with me. They probably had their parents or their boss talk to them like that. I think that’s kind of where that ‘bro’ character kind of started. Making my way through pro wrestling wasn’t easy, too, especially with the stigma as being that guy who got fired. I think every good journey needs a good story of ups and downs, just like a good pro wrestling match.”

Jul 21, 2012; Calgary, AB, CANADA; Chris Clements (red gloves) and Matt Riddle (blue gloves) during the welterweight bout of UFC 149 at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Riddle transitioned to professional wrestling in 2014 and began on the independent circuit. In 2018, he was signed to WWE and performed under the NXT banner before a WWE main brand run from 2020 to 2023.

Now a free agent once again, Riddle wants to complete business he deems unfinished.

“Maybe this is a bad theory or bad idea, but I feel like you’ve got to get beat up to leave, you know?” Riddle said. “I feel like I left the UFC on a four-fight win streak, then won another fight in Titan FC. I just kind of left and went to pro wrestling. I did good (and am) still doing it. Pro wrestling is awesome, but I still want to get beat up. I want to have my exit. We’ll see. Maybe somebody beats me up. Maybe I keep winning. Who knows?”

Even though he pivoted from MMA nearly a decade ago, Riddle said he regularly practices martial arts multiple times a week. He’s even earned a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt.

While Riddle remained mum as to which companies he’s in discussions with, he refused to rule out a potential UFC return despite the rough breakup in 2013.

“I never say never,” Riddle said. “If the opportunity is right. I don’t really hold a grudge. I mean, I talk a lot of sh*t. Sorry, I talk a lot of trash. That’s about it. If there’s business to be had, I’ll get business done. … For me, there’s no fence that really needs