Matt Riddle Considering Stepping Back into MMA Despite Wrestling Success

Matt Riddle, the current AAA World Cruiserweight Champion and former UFC fighter, is dropping some serious hints about stepping back into the octagon. Ten years after his last MMA bout, Riddle revealed he’s been quietly training and believes he has what it takes to make a successful return to mixed martial arts.

Speaking with Barstool Rasslin’, Riddle opened up about his desire to rekindle his MMA career, despite his busy schedule as a professional wrestler. “I’m still wrestling, but I’ve also been considering fighting again. I still got it in the tank,” Riddle shared. “I train a couple times a week, and I think I’m just waiting for the right time and opportunity because I’m still wrestling so much. I’m in such demand with that, it’s kind of hard to separate.”

Riddle emphasized the physical demands of transitioning back into MMA. “I train to be in good shape to do my job [in] professional wrestling, where I feel like with fighting there’s a lot more to it,” he explained. “There are certain parts of your body I’m going to have to recondition again so I don’t feel like I’m being crushed.”

The former UFC fighter also recalled his past success, including a four-fight winning streak and his ability to take fights on short notice thanks to his top-tier conditioning. Riddle believes that if he can reach the same physical level he had during his MMA prime, a second run could be a real possibility. “I train a couple times a week to stay ready. I’ve done it before, and if I put myself in that shape again, I know I can do it,” he said confidently.

As fans of both MMA and wrestling, we’re left to wonder if Riddle’s octagon comeback is just around the corner.

What do you think about Matt Riddle potentially returning to MMA? Should he step back into the octagon, or stick to professional wrestling? Share your thoughts in the comments below!