Joe Riggs

Joe Riggs
Born (1982-09-23) September 23, 1982
Sanford, Maine, United States
Other names Diesel
Nationality American
Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)[1]
Weight 185 lb (84 kg; 13.2 st) 170
Division Heavyweight
Light Heavyweight
Middleweight
Welterweight (current)
Reach 70.0 in (178 cm)[2]
Fighting out of Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Team MMA Lab
Rank Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[3]
Years active 2001-present
Mixed martial arts record
Total 58
Wins 41
By knockout 20
By submission 16
By decision 4
By disqualification 1
Losses 16
By knockout 6
By submission 7
By decision 3
No contests 1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Joseph Jonathan Riggs (born September 23, 1982) is an American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the UFC's Welterweight division. A professional competitor since 2001, Riggs has also formerly competed for the WEC, Strikeforce, Bellator, ProElite, and King of the Cage. Riggs is the former WEC Middleweight Champion.

Background

Born in Sanford, Maine and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Riggs began boxing as a child with his father. Although Riggs is right handed, he was encouraged by his boxing coach to fight southpaw, making his power hand his lead hand.[4] Riggs began wrestling at Cactus High School in Glendale, Arizona, he followed in the footsteps of his hero, Randy Couture, and became an All-American twice. Riggs has trained at Arizona Combat Sports under the Lally brothers.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Riggs made his professional mixed martial arts debut in 2001 and compiled a record of 13-3 with one no contest before being signed by the WEC.

UFC and WEC

Riggs made his WEC debut at WEC 9 against Alex Stiebling, in what was also his debut at Light Heavyweight. Riggs lost via triangle choke submission in the second round.

Riggs' dream of fighting in the UFC materialized in 2004, in a winning bout against Canadian fighter Joe Doerksen. Riggs received his shot at the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 56 in November 2005 against Matt Hughes.

Originally, the title shot was offered to Karo Parisyan, who had to withdraw due to a torn hamstring. When Riggs was contacted to take Parisyan's place he jumped at the chance, despite having fought at UFC 55 just a month earlier. However, Riggs did not make the required weight and the fight was declared a non-title event, due to Hughes allowing Riggs to fight him (if a fighter does not make weight for a match, the match may still take place if their opponent allows it). Despite his efforts, Riggs could not mount a significant challenge; Hughes took him down and submitted him with a kimura from half-guard just minutes into the first round of the fight.

Following his loss to Hughes, Riggs rebounded to win against future longtime Strikeforce Welterweight Champion, Nick Diaz via decision at UFC 57. In the hospital room after the fight, Diaz and Riggs got into a physical altercation where they had to be separated by police.

Riggs then moved up to Middleweight to face The Ultimate Fighter alumnus Mike Swick. Early in the fight Riggs was caught in a guillotine choke and tapped out. Riggs then fought The Ultimate Fighter 2's Jason Von Flue, submitting him with a triangle choke.

Riggs' last UFC bout was on December 13, 2006, against Welterweight contender Diego Sanchez at UFC Fight Night 7. Riggs lost the fight due to knockout from a hook followed by a knee in 1:45 of the first round.

Following the fight with Sanchez, Riggs chose to go to the WEC and compete for the vacant WEC Middleweight Championship, but had to pull out of the fight the day before because of a recurring back injury.[5]

Strikeforce

Riggs lost to Cory Devela via submission in his Strikeforce debut at Strikeforce: At The Dome.

Riggs was to return to action on Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson, facing Jiujitsu specialist Luke Stewart. Riggs stepped in as a late replacement for Shonie Carter, who was injured in training. The fight was to be contested at a catchweight of 178 pounds.[6] However, he was denied licensure by the California State Athletic Commission after disclosing his recent use of prescription medication during the licensing process. Riggs lost to Kazuo Misaki at Strikeforce at the Playboy Mansion via controversial stoppage on September 20, 2008.

Riggs won his next fight at Strikeforce: Destruction on November 21, 2008, against Luke Stewart by TKO (Punches) in 2nd round 2:05. Riggs broke his hand throwing the first punch of the bout, but managed to rally in the second round, breaking Stewart's nose in the process.[7]

Riggs next fought on the Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields card from the ScottTrade Center in St. Louis, MO on June 6, 2009, against Phil "The New York Badass" Baroni in a three-round welterweight bout that was broadcast live on the Showtime cable network. In a performance that featured his versatile standup game, including several flying knees, Riggs won a unanimous decision over Baroni.

In his next fight, Riggs faced Jay Hieron on January 30, 2010, at Strikeforce: Miami.[8] Riggs lost the fight via unanimous decision.

In the main event of Strikeforce Challengers: Riggs vs. Taylor, Riggs faced up and coming Middleweight Louis Taylor. "Diesel" won by submission due to strikes in the third round.

On December 9, 2010, it was announced that Riggs has parted ways with Strikeforce.[9]

Bellator

About a month later, on January 10, 2011, Riggs signed with Bellator to fight in its Middleweight division.[10] Riggs made his Bellator debut against Season 2 Middleweight Tournament Finalist Bryan Baker at Bellator 43. After a back and forth fight, Baker knocked Riggs out with a left hook late in the second round.

Independent Promotions

Three months after his knockout loss to Baker at Bellator 43, In a rematch from their bout in 2004 Riggs fought The Ultimate Fighter 3 winner and fellow UFC veteran Kendall Grove. Grove quickly defeated Riggs by submission due to a guillotine choke, Thus avenging his previous loss to Riggs. For the first time in his ten-year career as a mixed martial artist Riggs has lost three straight fights.

After the loss to Grove he went on a five-fight win streak.

Fight Master: Bellator MMA

On May 6, 2013, it was announced that Riggs would be featured as a participant on Bellator's reality TV show Fight Master: Bellator MMA, competing as a Welterweight.[11]

In his first fight to get into the house, Riggs defeated UK fighter Rob Mills via heel hook submission in the first round and subsequently chose to join Greg Jackson's team. In the preliminary round, Riggs defeated Eric Scanlan via unanimous decision and went on to the quarterfinal round where he defeated Evan Cutts via unanimous decision. In the semifinal round, Riggs defeated number one seed Cole Williams in a three round split decision victory. He made it to the tournament finals with Mike Bronzoulis.

Riggs was set to face Mike Bronzoulis in the Fight Master Finale on September 7, 2013 at Bellator 98.[12] However, on September 3, it was revealed Riggs has sustained a significant eye injury and the bout was postponed indefinitely.[13] The bout took place on November 2, 2013 at Bellator 106. Riggs won the fight via unanimous decision to become the first winner of Fight Master.

Return to UFC

After becoming the first winner of Fight Master, Riggs was expected to return to UFC and face Paulo Thiago at UFC Fight Night 51 on September 13, 2014, replacing an injured Mike Rhodes.[14] However, Riggs was forced to pull out of the fight after accidentally shooting himself in the hand and leg while cleaning a pistol at his home.[15]

Riggs made his eventual return against Ben Saunders at UFC on Fox: dos Santos vs. Miocic on December 13, 2014 at US Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona. [16] The fight ended early in the first round by TKO due to injury when Riggs hurt his neck on a takedown and tapped out shortly thereafter.[17][18]

Joe Riggs faced Patrick Côté on April 25, 2015 at UFC 186.[19] Riggs lost the back-and-forth fight by unanimous decision.[20]

Riggs was expected to face Uriah Hall in a middleweight bout on August 8, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 73.[21] However, Riggs pulled out of the fight in late July an citing injury and was replaced by promotional newcomer Oluwale Bamgbose.[22]

Following a quick recovery, Riggs faced Ron Stallings on September 5, 2015 at UFC 191.[23] Riggs won the bout via disqualification after Stallings landed an illegal upkick, which rendered Riggs unable to continue.[24]

Riggs is expected to face Chris Camozzi on February 21, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 83.[25]

Personal life

Joe and his wife had a son who died shortly after birth.[26] They have another son.[27]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 41–16 (1) Ron Stallings DQ (illegal upkick) UFC 191 September 5, 2015 2 2:28 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Return to Middleweight.
Loss 40–16 (1) Patrick Côté Decision (unanimous) UFC 186 April 25, 2015 3 5:00 Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Loss 40–15 (1) Ben Saunders TKO (neck injury) UFC on Fox: dos Santos vs. Miocic December 13, 2014 1 0:57 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 40–14 (1) Mike Bronzoulis Decision (unanimous) Bellator 106 November 2, 2013 3 5:00 Long Beach, California, United States Won Fight Master: Bellator MMA Season One.
Win 39–14 (1) Cris Leyva TKO (punches) RITC 164 November 16, 2012 1 2:28 Chandler, Arizona, United States
Win 38–14 (1) Josh Cavan KO (punches) Made For War 1 October 13, 2012 1 4:16 Castle Rock, Colorado, United States Return to Welterweight.
Win 37–14 (1) Shane Johnson KO (punch) RITC 160 June 22, 2012 2 2:33 Chandler, Arizona, United States
Win 36–14 (1) Aaron Brink Submission (armbar) RITC 159 May 11, 2012 2 1:18 Chandler, Arizona, United States Light Heavyweight bout.
Win 35–14 (1) Shannon Ritch TKO (punches) Duel for Domination November 26, 2011 1 0:56 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Loss 34–14 (1) Kendall Grove Submission (standing guillotine choke) ProElite 1 August 27, 2011 1 0:59 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Loss 34–13 (1) Bryan Baker KO (punch) Bellator 43 May 7, 2011 2 3:53 Newkirk, Oklahoma, United States Return to Middleweight.
Loss 34–12 (1) Jordan Mein TKO (punches) Wreck MMA: Strong & Proud January 28, 2011 2 4:30 Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
Win 34–11 (1) Trent Thorne TKO (elbows) KOTC: 48 November 21, 2010 1 3:56 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Middleweight bout.
Win 33–11 (1) Louis Taylor Submission (punches) Strikeforce Challengers: Riggs vs. Taylor August 13, 2010 3 2:07 Phoenix, Arizona, United States Catchweight (182 lbs) bout.
Loss 32–11 (1) Jay Hieron Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Miami January 30, 2010 3 5:00 Sunrise, Florida, United States
Win 32–10 (1) Nick Almen Submission (punches and elbows) Ironman MMA 1 December 11, 2009 1 1:51 Welch, Minnesota, United States
Win 31–10 (1) David Barnes TKO (punches) RITC 138 December 4, 2009 1 0:57 Mesa, Arizona, United States
Win 30–10 (1) Phil Baroni Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields June 6, 2009 3 5:00 St. Louis, Missouri, United States Return to Welterweight.
Win 29–10 (1) Luke Stewart TKO (punches) Strikeforce: Destruction November 21, 2008 2 2:05 San Jose, California, United States Catchweight (178 lbs) bout.
Loss 28–10 (1) Kazuo Misaki TKO (punches) Strikeforce: At The Mansion II September 20, 2008 2 2:29 Beverly Hills, California, United States
Win 28–9 (1) Matt Dempsey Submission (rear-naked choke) RITC 112 July 26, 2008 2 1:47 Prescott, Arizona, United States
Loss 27–9 (1) Cory Devela Submission (slam) Strikeforce: At The Dome February 23, 2008 1 1:22 Tacoma, Washington, United States
Win 27–8 (1) Eugene Jackson KO (punches) Strikeforce: Playboy Mansion September 29, 2007 1 3:56 Beverly Hills, California, United States
Win 26–8 (1) Dan Chambers Submission (triangle choke) Hardcore Championship Fighting: Unfinished Business July 21, 2007 1 3:25 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Middleweight bout.
Loss 25–8 (1) Diego Sanchez KO (knee) UFC Fight Night: Sanchez vs. Riggs December 13, 2006 1 1:33 San Diego, California, United States
Win 25–7 (1) Jason Von Flue Submission (triangle choke) UFC Fight Night 6 August 17, 2006 1 2:01 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Submission of the Night.
Loss 24–7 (1) Mike Swick Submission (guillotine choke) UFC 60 May 27, 2006 1 2:19 Los Angeles, California, United States Middleweight bout.
Win 24–6 (1) Nick Diaz Decision (unanimous) UFC 57 February 4, 2006 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 23–6 (1) Matt Hughes Submission (kimura) UFC 56 November 19, 2005 1 3:28 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Non-title match; Riggs missed weight.
Win 23–5 (1) Chris Lytle TKO (doctor stoppage) UFC 55 October 7, 2005 2 2:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Welterweight debut.
Win 22–5 (1) Rob Kimmons Submission (punches) WEC 15 May 19, 2005 1 1:24 Lemoore, California, United States Won the vacant WEC Middleweight Championship.
Loss 21–5 (1) Ivan Salaverry Submission (triangle choke) UFC 52 April 16, 2005 1 2:42 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 21–4 (1) Thomas Gil Submission (armbar) RITC 66 November 13, 2004 1 2:05 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 20–4 (1) Isidro Gonzalez TKO (punches and elbows) WEC 12 October 21, 2004 1 1:50 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 19–4 (1) Joe Doerksen Submission (elbows) UFC 49 August 21, 2004 2 3:37 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 18–4 (1) Shane Johnson KO (punches) XCF 5: Evolution May 28, 2004 1 N/A Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 17–4 (1) Kendall Grove KO (elbows) Rumble on the Rock 5 May 7, 2004 1 3:09 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States Middleweight debut.
Win 16–4 (1) Dave Vitkay KO (punches) ICC: Trials 2 April 30, 2004 1 N/A Minnesota, United States
Win 15–4 (1) John Renken KO (punch) RITC 60: 'The Saint' Goes Marching In March 20, 2004 1 0:28 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 14–4 (1) Chris Kiever KO (punch) IFC: Battleground Tahoe January 31, 2004 1 0:49 Lake Tahoe, Nevada, United States
Loss 13–4 (1) Alex Stiebling Submission (triangle choke) WEC 9 January 16, 2004 2 1:54 Lemoore, California, United States Light Heavyweight debut.
Win 13–3 (1) Cory Timmerman Submission (armbar) RITC 57: Tucson Revisited December 13, 2003 1 1:11 Tucson, Arizona, United States
Win 12–3 (1) Frank Alcala TKO (punches) IFC: Rumble on the Rio December 6, 2003 1 0:31 Hidalgo, Texas, United States
NC 11–3 (1) Andy Montana No Contest RITC 53: The Beat Goes On September 13, 2003 N/A N/A Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 11–3 Greg Wikan TKO (corner stoppage) ECS: Evolution July 19, 2003 3 5:00 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 10–3 Will Hammond TKO (punches) Art of War 2 June 21, 2003 1 N/A Kalispell, Montana, United States
Loss 9–3 Travis Fulton Submission (choke) RITC 45: Finally March 1, 2003 1 0:48 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 9–2 Herb Dean Submission (punches) RITC 43: The Match January 18, 2003 1 0:52 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Loss 8–2 Wesley Correira KO (knee and punch) Rumble on the Rock 1 December 28, 2002 2 2:07 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Win 8–1 Lemuel Vincent TKO (punches) RITC 42: Road Trip December 7, 2002 1 0:23 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 7–1 Allan Sullivan Submission (armbar) RITC 39: Bring It October 19, 2002 3 1:57 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 6–1 Joe Pardo Decision (unanimous) RITC 38: Let's Roll September 7, 2002 3 3:00 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 5–1 Jess Morton TKO (retirement) RITC 36: The Rematch June 22, 2002 1 3:00 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 4–1 Andy Montana Submission (punches) RITC 35: This Time It's Personal May 3, 2002 1 1:24 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Loss 3–1 Homer Moore Decision (unanimous) RITC 34 March 15, 2002 3 3:00 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 3–0 Joey Vigueria Submission (punches) RITC 33: The Big Show February 2, 2002 1 2:00 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 2–0 Justin Lyon Submission (punches) RITC 31 November 7, 2001 1 0:33 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 1–0 Ryan Roath Submission (punches) RITC 30: Soaring to New Heights September 26, 2001 1 2:32 Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Mixed martial arts exhibition record

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 4–0 Cole Williams Decision (split) Fight Master: Bellator MMA August 29, 2013 3 5:00 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Semifinal bout.
Win 3–0 Evan Cutts Decision (unanimous) Fight Master: Bellator MMA August 22, 2013 2 5:00 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Quarterfinal bout.
Win 2–0 Eric Scanlan Decision (unanimous) Fight Master: Bellator MMA July 31, 2013 2 5:00 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Preliminary bout.
Win 1–0 Rob Mills Submission (heel hook) Fight Master: Bellator MMA July 10, 2013 1 4:31 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Elimination bout.

See also

References

  1. "Fight Card - UFC 191 Johnson vs. Dodson 2". UFC.com. Retrieved September 6, 2015.
  2. "Fight Card - UFC Fight Night Dos Santos vs. Miocic". UFC.com. Retrieved December 15, 2014.
  3. "Joe Riggs - Official UFC Fighter Profile". UFC.com. Retrieved December 15, 2014.
  4. Knucklepit.com (2005). "Joe Riggs". The Middleweight Casting a Heavyweight Shadow. Retrieved 2006-06-09.
  5. MMaontap article stating that Riggs has a back injury
  6. James Iannotti. "Joe Riggs vs Luke Stewart Strikeforce fight booked with Shonie Carter hurt". MMAmania.
  7. http://www.sherdog.com/news/pictures.asp?n_id=13442
  8. "Joe Riggs vs Jay Hieron at Strikeforce: 'Miami' on Jan. 30". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2009-01-02.
  9. Anton Tabuena. "Strikeforce Parts Ways With Joey Villasenor and Joe Riggs". Bloody Elbow.
  10. Dann Stupp. "Bellator signs veteran middleweight Joe Riggs". MMAjunkie.
  11. "'Fight Master: Bellator MMA' cast unveiled with Riggs, Lozano and 30 others". MMA Junkie. Retrieved May 6, 2013.
  12. "Fight Master Finale Revealed".
  13. "Saturday’s ‘Fight Master’ finale bout postponed".
  14. "Report: Joe Riggs returns to UFC, set to face Paulo Thiago at UFN 51". bloodyelbow.com. July 24, 2014.
  15. Dann Stupp and Steven Marrocco (2014-07-29). "Joe Riggs out of UFC Fight Night 51 after injury from accidental shooting". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-07-29.
  16. "Joe Riggs meets Ben Saunders at UFC on FOX 13 in Phoenix MMAjunkie". Matt Erickson. September 22, 2014.
  17. Dave Doyle (2014-12-13). "UFC on FOX 13 results: Fluke injury gives Ben Saunders fast win over Joe Riggs". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2014-12-13.
  18. Staff (2014-12-13). "Joe Riggs feared he had severely injured neck prior to UFC on FOX 13 tap". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-12-13.
  19. Keith Grienke (January 17, 2015). "Title Fight & 5 Canadians Officially Announced for UFC Montreal". Top MMA News.
  20. Ben Fowlkes (2015-04-25). "UFC 186 results: Patrick Cote gets hometown win, takes decision from Joe Riggs". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-04-25.
  21. Staff (2015-07-03). "Uriah Hall vs. Joe Riggs booked for UFC Fight Night 73". themmareport.com. Retrieved 2015-07-03.
  22. Staff (2015-07-23). "UFC Fight Night 73 fight card lineup finalized following Uriah Hall and Dustin Ortiz receiving new opponents". themmareport.com. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  23. Staff (2015-08-06). "UFC 191 adds Joe Riggs vs. Ron Stallings". themmareport.com. Retrieved 2015-08-06.
  24. Ben Fowlkes (2015-09-05). "UFC 191 results, highlights: On one good eye, Joe Riggs gets DQ win over Ron Stallings". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-09-05.
  25. Staff (2015-12-15). "Seven fights added to UFC Fight Night 82 in Pittsburgh". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-12-15.
  26. Interview with Joe where he talks about the death of his son
  27. The eight-time UFC veteran has just begun to elevate his training after welcoming the birth of his newborn son, Joseph Diesel Riggs, June 28.

External links

Awards and achievements Vacant
Title last held by
Chris Leben
2nd WEC Middleweight Champion
May 19, 2005 – December, 2006
Vacant
Title next held by
Paulo Filho
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