Just five days after announcing his return to the UFC, Joe “Diesel” Riggs is out of a welterweight bout with Paulo Thiago. The UFC said on Tuesday that Riggs injured his hand and thigh while cleaning his own gun and will not be ready in time for the UFC Fight Night 51 card in Brasilia, Brazil on Oct. 13.
Diesel was getting ready to make his return after eight years away from UFC. Riggs (40-14) had just re-signed with UFC last week.
“We were made aware that newly signed UFC competitor Joe Riggs was involved in an unfortunate accident last night,” the UFC said in a statement. “While cleaning his permitted firearm (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.”
Riggs has been training out of Phoenix, but hasn’t fought in the UFC since 2006. He has fought in other organizations since then, such as Strikeforce and Bellator MMA. He is currently on a six-fight win streak.
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