Joe Riggs was scheduled to return to the UFC in September against Paulo Thiago at a Fight Night card in Brazil but the promotion is looking for a new opponent for Thiago after Riggs had an accident with a gun at his Arizona home yesterday.
In a statement released by the UFC today, the promotion stated that Riggs was cleaning a pistol that he has a permit for.
“We were made aware that newly-signed UFC competitor Joe Riggs was involved in an unfortunate accident last night,” the UFC statement said. “While cleaning his permitted firearm (a pistol), the gun discharged, injuring his hand and upper thigh. Riggs was transported to a nearby hospital in Arizona where he is being treated by physicians. We wish Joe a speedy recovery.”
The UFC is searching for a new opponent for Thiago and his new opponent is expected to be announced shortly. The current UFC Fight Night 51: Arlovski vs. Silva II is below.
Andrei Arlovski (22-10) vs. Antonio Silva (18-5)
Leonardo Santos (12-3-1) vs. Lukasz Sajewski (13-0)
Sergio Moraes (8-3) vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio (19-2)
Igor Araujo (25-6, 1NC) vs. George Sullivan (15-3, 1NC)
Paulo Thiago (15-7) vs. TBD
Jessica Andrade (11-3) vs. Valerie Letourneau (6-3)
Rani Yahya (19-8, 1NC) vs. Johnny Bedford (19-11-1, 1NC)