Although the UFC and WWE have a history of pooling their talent, one star left the MMA behemoth to join the wrestling organization.
People like Ronda Rousey, Brock Lesnar, and Ken Shamrock have had great success competing in the UFC and WWE.
Since TKO has owned both businesses since 2024, there may be more opportunities for interaction between the two titans of combat sports.
After being dismissed from the UFC, a star joined WWE after being called a “moron” by UFC president Dana White.
Matt Riddle, a former WWE star, gained notoriety in the UFC following his time on the reality TV program The Ultimate Fighter.
With a 10-3 record from 2008 to 2013, Riddle made an impression in the Octagon, defeating opponents like Greg Soto and Henry Martinez.
At the 158 press conference, the UFC president stated, “Everyone is going to have an excuse of why they were cut.” The star was sacked by the UFC following a second adverse marijuana drug test.
“I smoke weed so that I don’t beat my children,” Matt Riddle stated in an interview prior to the bout, and he later tested positive for the drug.
Then an irate White remarked: “He’s a f—— idiot.” His absence is due to this. He’s cut because he’s a complete idiot.
In 2018, Riddle would join WWE, where he would establish himself as a mainstay and win the Tag Team and United States Championships.
Strangely, more than ten years after departing the MMA behemoth, Riddle disclosed in December 2024 that he was still receiving payments from the UFC.
“Another pro is there’s a huge lawsuit against them, and I’m part of that because I fought for them a bunch during that time period,” the King of Bros. said in an interview with Developmentally Speaking.
I’m going to pick up my check now. In a technical sense, I’m still getting paid while being dismissed. Therefore, I want to thank TKO and the UFC for that.
Riddle left the WWE in 2023, but he is still competing today. Since his release, the celebrity has made appearances for NJPW, TNA, and MLW.
