Before Matt Riddle made a name for himself in the realm of professional wrestling, the 35-year-old had already established himself as one of the UFC’s brightest prospects.
Riddle signed with the promotion in 2008 when he featured in The Ultimate Fighter 7 Finale. Also known as ‘Chipper’ during his MMA days, Riddle amassed a professional record of 10-3-0. Two of his victories were later overturned to no-contest after he tested positive for cannabis, resulting in his record standing at 8-3-0 (2NC)
It goes without saying that Matt Riddle had a knack for wrestling since his childhood days. In fact, the Pennsylvania native was so good at it, that he even defeated Jon Jones in a wrestling tournament.
Riddle attended Saratoga Springs High School, New York, and he would go on to capture the state division wrestling championship in 2004. Jones, who represented Union-Endicott High School, locked horns with the WWE star in one of these state-level wrestling tournaments.
Matt Riddle defeated Jones and successfully won the tournament, while ‘Bones’ finished third. The two can be seen on the podium together in a picture posted by former UFC star Ben Askren, who is poking fun at Riddle.
Hey @dc_mma you know whats worse than 4th at the Olympics? 3rd to Matt Riddle at the state tourney! @JonnyBones pic.twitter.com/bdEr5xYkuf
— Funky (@Benaskren) December 29, 2014
According to Matt Riddle himself, he has beaten Jones not once, but twice. He also stated that he would like to compete against the UFC light heavyweight kingpin, once again.
Matt Riddle’s controversial departure from the UFC and his rift with Dana White
Matt Riddle’s controversial departure from the UFC and his rift with Dana White
Matt Riddle’s win over Che Mills in 2013 was overturned to no-contest after he tested positive for cannabis. This was Chipper’s second consecutive failed drug test, as he had tested positive for the same substance in 2012 against Chris Clements.
UFC president Dana White was infuriated with Riddle’s behavior and the 35-year-old was released from the promotion. Since then, both White and Riddle have continually taken digs at each other.
In one of his interviews, White asserted that even though he doesn’t hate Matt Riddle, he has no regrets over his decision to fire him. The WWE star hit back at his ex-boss and accused him of not taking care of his employees.
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