The Real Reason why Matt Riddle was Suspended from UFC

One of the biggest topics of discussion heard time and again in different parts of the professional wrestling world- What was the reason behind Matt Riddle being handed a suspension from UFC?

Riddle spent a good 3 years in the company before leaving on bad terms with the boss Dana White. This exit was so bitter that Matt Riddle’s fans were all up in the news, looking for answers.

Riddle had a very promising career in MMA and was on a hot 4-win streak when he left. So what went wrong?

The answer to this is plain and simple. Matt Riddle was earning a good $162,000 a year, which added up to somewhere above $ 50,000 a match. A contract with UFC meant a guaranteed 3 fights a year. Even if you don’t fight the bare minimum of three fights, you will get paid anyway.

Riddle, however, failed to perform in these matches that were thrown his way. This wasn’t just a fitness issue but something much more serious.

According to Dana White, Riddle had three drug tests before the three matches that were scheduled for him throughout the year. He didn’t pass even one of them.

Whenever the topic is brought up in White’s presence, he always emphasizes the fact that Riddle dug his own grave.

“You’re so weak-minded and so addicted to marijuana that you couldn’t stay off it enough to pass a drug test three times a year,” exclaimed White in an interview about the same.

White revealed that Riddle wanted to make the same money elsewhere and still feels like he grossly exaggerates the treatment he received when he was at UFC. 

Matt Riddle explained why he indulged in using Marijuana

On the flip side, we have the point of view of Matt Riddle for you as well. Riddle feels like he didn’t like the way Dana White treated him and fixates on his feeling that White isn’t a good person.

Addressing his addiction issues, Riddle says that the situation could have been handled in a better way.

“If you knew one of your employees had a third child and was still doing good work but failed a drug test again like maybe he needs help you know, like maybe you go another route with this, right?”

Riddle suggested that his marijuana addiction problems stem from the pressure he was facing at that time personally. However, White seemed to have reached his breaking point with Riddle.

Riddle signed with WWE a couple of years ago. His loveable personality combined with his skill has seen him skyrocket to the main roster in 2020. 

Without any bias, the truth is that UFC may have proved too much of a strain for Matt Riddle. The pressure of fighting brutal matches with the opponent coupled with an already large family at home got to his head, and that would explain his use of Marijuana.

He also isn’t a fan of hitting people (oddly enough) and even revealed that in an interview.

Now settled in WWE, Riddle is quite happy but hasn’t made amends yet with his former employer. Dana White still feels like he dodged a bullet. Who was in the right, and who wasn’t? That’s your canvas to paint on. 

Source: FOX Sports YouTube, FloCombat YouTube