5 Things You Didn’t Know About Matt Riddle’s MMA Career

3. Riddle Signed With Bellator MMA

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It's a little known fact that Matt Riddle was once a member of the Bellator MMA roster. The reason so few people know of this is because he never actually fought for the promotion.

He originally signed with a Texas-based organization called Legacy, before the former collegiate wrestler's contract was then purchased by Bellator. He was forced to pull out of the welterweight tournament in 2013, in what would have been his debut with the company.

Afterward, Riddle decided to retire. He then came out of retirement about a week later and was expected to finally make his Bellator debut. As fate would have it, he once again pulled out of the fight —this time for undisclosed reasons. The promotion had enough and subsequently decided to release the former UFC standout.

He fought just once more in 2014 for Titan FC and defeated a fighter named Michael Kuiper via submission, before deciding to pursue a career in professional wrestling.

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From 1999-2003 Jacques performed on the Florida independent pro wrestling circuit. He also has an amateur wrestling background and currently holds a certification in Krav Maga. Jacques graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2003, with a bachelor's degree in Political Science. He currently resides in Chicago, Illinois. Follow him on twitter @goodeals79.