Joe Riggs
Joseph Jonathan "Joe" Riggs (born September 23, 1982) is an American professional mixed martial artist. A professional competitor since 2001, Riggs formerly competed for the UFC, WEC, Strikeforce, Bellator, ProElite, M-1 Global, and King of the Cage. Riggs is the former WEC Middleweight Champion.
| Joe Riggs | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | September 23, 1982 Sanford, Maine, United States |
| Other names | Diesel |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)[1] |
| Weight | 183.5 lb (83.2 kg; 13.11 st) 170 |
| Division | Heavyweight Light Heavyweight Middleweight Welterweight (current) |
| Reach | 69 in (180 cm)[2] |
| Fighting out of | Phoenix, Arizona, United States |
| Team | Grace Fighting Systems |
| Rank | Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[3] |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 70 |
| Wins | 50 |
| By knockout | 37 |
| By submission | 8 |
| By decision | 4 |
| By disqualification | 1 |
| Losses | 18 |
| By knockout | 9 |
| By submission | 6 |
| By decision | 3 |
| Draws | 1 |
| No contests | 1 |
| Other information | |
| Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | |
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 left 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, at Glendale Community College (Arizona), where he studied to get a Criminal Justice degree. Riggs has trained at Arizona Combat Sports under the Lally brothers, MMA Lab under John Crouch and TNT Training Center under Scott Tannenbaum.
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. But after the fight people started to take notice of Riggs. Although he lost the fight, he battered Stiebling so badly that after the fight he had to be helped out of the cage and taken to a hospital. Reports said that almost everyone at ring side had Stiebling's blood on both them and their paperwork. The promoter Scott Adams said the fight could and should have been stopped at several points in the fight, leading it to be known as one of the most brutal fights in WEC history. After that he went down to middle weight to fight Isidro Gonzalez in the WEC. Where Riggs finished the fight early in the 1st Round by TKO. After his impressive victory over Gonzalez the WEC gave him a shot at the vacant Middleweight Title again the undefeated Rob Kimmons. Riggs put on a very impressive performance by stopping Kimmons early in the 1st round, earning him the WEC world title, which he held for the next 2 years.
Riggs' dream of fighting in the UFC materialized in 2004, in a winning bout against Canadian fighter Joe Doerksen. After that Riggs moved down to Welter Weight to fight veteran Chris "Lights Out" Lytle. Riggs went on to win the fight by 2nd-round TKO. And was the 1st and only man to ever stop the very popular battler Chris Lytle. Then after being named the UFCs number 1 Welter Weight contender. Riggs received his shot at the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 56 in November 2005 against Matt Hughes. He was originally supposed to face the winner of the upcoming title fight. But got called to fight just a month after the defeating Lytle in UFC 55 to face long time champion Hughes for the UFC Welter Weight title.
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 Scottrade Center in St. Louis, MO on June 6, 2009, against Phil "The New York Badass" Baroni in a three-round welterweight bout that won him the interim Strike Force Welter Weight title and 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 Scallan 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 take down 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, citing an 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 faced Chris Camozzi on February 21, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 83.[25] He lost the fight via TKO in the first round due a series of knees by Camozzi, which broke the right forearm of Riggs.[26] On April 13, Riggs was released from the promotion.[27]
Bare Knuckle Boxing
Riggs recently started competing in Bare Knuckle Boxing matches under the UK based BKB promotion. He won a championship fight against Christian “Fat Boy“ Evans, an experienced bare knuckle fighter who had also been featured in the documentary "Bare Knuckle Fight Club" from Channel 4 news,[28] by unanimous decision at BKB 4.[29] Riggs was deducted 1 point in the first round for shooting for a take-down and taking his opponent to the mat, and was warned again in the same round after throwing an illegal elbow.[30]
Riggs was expected to headline BKFC 10 against fellow UFC veteran Héctor Lombard in February 2020.[31] However, in January, the company announced that Lombard will be facing David Mundell, with no further information.[32]
Personal life
Joe and his wife had a son who died shortly after birth.[33] They have another son.[34] Joe also has a daughter named Jadin who is 3 years younger than his son.[35]
Championships and accomplishments
- Bellator MMA
- World Extreme Cagefighting
- WEC Middleweight Championship (One time)
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Submission of the Night (One time) vs. Jason Von Flue
- Z Promotions
- Light Heavyweight Championship vs. Shonie Carter[36]
Mixed martial arts record
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 70 matches | 50 wins | 18 losses |
| By knockout | 37 | 9 |
| By submission | 8 | 6 |
| By decision | 4 | 3 |
| By disqualification | 1 | 0 |
| Draws | 1 | |
| No contests | 1 | |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 51–18–1 (1) | George Sullivan | TKO (punches) | Ring of Combat 70 | November 23, 2019 | 3 | 2:08 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |
| Win | 50–18–1 (1) | Jared Torgeson | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Fusion Fight League: Diesel's Last Ride | April 13, 2019 | 1 | 2:55 | Great Falls, Montana, United States | Won the Fusion Fight League Light Heavyweight Championship. |
| Win | 49–18–1 (1) | Dan Yates | KO (punches) | KOP 63 | January 4, 2019 | 1 | 3:31 | Muskegon, Michigan, United States | |
| Loss | 48–18–1 (1) | Artem Frolov | TKO (leg injury) | M-1 Challenge 93: Shlemenko vs. Silva | June 1, 2018 | 2 | 0:46 | Chelyabinsk, Russia | For the M-1 Middleweight Championship. |
| Draw | 48–17–1 (1) | Boris Polejay | Draw (split) | M-1 Challenge 90: Kunchenko vs. Butenko | March 30, 2018 | 3 | 5:00 | St. Petersburg, Russia | |
| Win | 48–17 (1) | Erick Lozano | TKO (punches) | KOP 60 | February 24, 2018 | 2 | N/A | Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States | For KOP Middleweight Championship. |
| Win | 47–17 (1) | Oleg Olenichev | TKO (punches) | M-1 Challenge 84: Kunchenko vs. Romanov | October 27, 2017 | 3 | 3:21 | Saint Petersburg, Russia | |
| Win | 46–17 (1) | Shonie Carter | Submission (strikes) | Z Promotions: Fight Night Medicine Hat 4 | September 9, 2017 | 2 | 4:54 | Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada | Won vacant Fight Night Light Heavyweight Championship. |
| Win | 45–17 (1) | Dmitry Samoilov | TKO (punches) | M-1 Challenge 81: Battle in the Mountains 6 | July 22, 2017 | 3 | 1:24 | Nazran, Ingushetia, Russia | |
| Win | 43–17 (1) | Jerome Jones | TKO (punches) | WXC 68 | April 8, 2017 | 1 | 0:27 | Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States | |
| Win | 42–17 (1) | Cody McKenzie | TKO (punches) | Z Promotions: Fight Night Medicine Hat 2 | October 28, 2016 | 1 | 1:51 | Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada | Catchweight (180 lbs) bout. |
| Loss | 41–17 (1) | Chris Camozzi | TKO (knees) | UFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs. Cowboy | February 21, 2016 | 1 | 0:26 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States | |
| 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 | Catchweight (184 lbs) bout. Riggs missed weight |
| 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
| Exhibition record breakdown | ||
| 4 matches | 4 wins | 0 losses |
| By knockout | 0 | 0 |
| By submission | 1 | 0 |
| By decision | 3 | 0 |
| 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. |
Bare-knuckle boxing record
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 4 matches | 3 wins | 0 losses |
| By knockout | 0 | 0 |
| By decision | 3 | 0 |
| Draws | 1 | |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Draw | 3–0–1 | Walber Barros | Draw (unanimous) | BKFC 6: Malignaggi vs. Lobov | June 22, 2019 | 5 | 2:00 | Tampa, Florida, USA | |
| Win | 3–0 | Heriberto Tovar | Decision (unanimous) | BKFC 4: USA vs. Mexico | February 2, 2019 | 5 | 2:00 | Cancun, Mexico | |
| Win | 2–0 | Brok Weaver | Decision (unanimous) | BKFC 3: The Takeover | October 20, 2018 | 5 | 2:00 | Biloxi, Mississippi, USA | |
| Win | 1–0 | Christian Evans | Decision (unanimous) | BKB 4 | February 2017 | 5 | 2:00 | London, England | Won the BKB Light Heavyweight World Championship[37] |
References
- "Fight Card - UFC 191 Johnson vs. Dodson 2". UFC.com. Retrieved September 6, 2015.
- "Fight Card - UFC Fight Night Dos Santos vs. Miocic". UFC.com. Retrieved December 15, 2014.
- "Joe Riggs - Official UFC Fighter Profile". UFC.com. Retrieved December 15, 2014.
- Knucklepit.com (2005). "Joe Riggs". The Middleweight Casting a Heavyweight Shadow. Archived from the original on 2006-05-18. Retrieved 2006-06-09.
- "Riggs Pulls Out of WEC Fight". MMA on Tap.
- James Iannotti. "Joe Riggs vs Luke Stewart Strikeforce fight booked with Shonie Carter hurt". MMAmania.
- "Riggs Denied Licensure for Strikeforce - Pictures". Sherdog.
- "Joe Riggs vs Jay Hieron at Strikeforce: 'Miami' on Jan. 30". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2009-01-02.
- Anton Tabuena. "Strikeforce Parts Ways With Joey Villasenor and Joe Riggs". Bloody Elbow.
- Dann Stupp. "Bellator signs veteran middleweight Joe Riggs". MMAjunkie.
- "'Fight Master: Bellator MMA' cast unveiled with Riggs, Lozano and 30 others". MMA Junkie. Archived from the original on May 10, 2013. Retrieved May 6, 2013.
- "HugeDomains.com - TitoCouture.COM is for sale (Tito Couture)". www.hugedomains.com.
- "Saturday's 'Fight Master' finale bout postponed". Archived from the original on 2013-11-04.
- "Report: Joe Riggs returns to UFC, set to face Paulo Thiago at UFN 51". bloodyelbow.com. July 24, 2014.
- 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.
- "Joe Riggs meets Ben Saunders at UFC on FOX 13 in Phoenix MMAjunkie". Matt Erickson. September 22, 2014.
- 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.
- 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.
- Keith Grienke (January 17, 2015). "Title Fight & 5 Canadians Officially Announced for UFC Montreal". Top MMA News.
- Ben Fowlkes (2015-04-25). "UFC 186 results: Patrick Cote gets hometown win, takes decision from Joe Riggs". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-04-25.
- Staff (2015-07-03). "Uriah Hall vs. Joe Riggs booked for UFC Fight Night 73". themmareport.com. Retrieved 2015-07-03.
- 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.
- Staff (2015-08-06). "UFC 191 adds Joe Riggs vs. Ron Stallings". themmareport.com. Retrieved 2015-08-06.
- 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.
- Staff (2015-12-15). "Seven fights added to UFC Fight Night 82 in Pittsburgh". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-12-15.
- Brad Popkin (2016-02-21). "UFC Fight Night 83 results: Knees! Chris Camozzi finishes Joe Riggs with a flurry of clinch strikes at UFC Pittsburgh". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2016-02-21.
- Zane Simon (2016-04-13). "Noons and Riggs among latest fighters removed from UFC . After Riggs was recovered from the broken arm he took on Former Ultimate Fighter popular stand out Cody Mckenzie. Riggs earned a 1st Round TKO win. Shortly after that, Riggs went to fight in a Bare Knuckle Boxing fight. His very 1st fight he fought for the Bare Knuckle Light Heavyweight World Title. Riggs Won the 5 Round title fight via unanimous decision. Where he surprised the U.K crowd by dominating the fight and scoring 2 knockdown in the fight. sroster". bloodyelbow.com.
- "10 Times MMA Stars Fought In Bare Knuckle Boxing". April 14, 2019.
- Mills, George (February 8, 2017). "Ex-UFC star wins UK bareknuckle boxing title fight after dishing out 'savage ass kicking'". Dailystar.co.uk.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sg1vNP2PNs
- Nolan King (December 16, 2019). "Hector Lombard vs. Joe Riggs to headline BKFC 10 in February". mmajunkie.com.
- Nolan King (January 20, 2020). "Hector Lombard gets new BKFC 10 opponent after Joe Riggs drops out". mmajunkie.com.
- "Interview with Joe where he talks about the death of his son".
- 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.
- Hunt, Loretta. "Loretta Hunt: Riggs hoping to survive Bellator debut after surviving much more". Sports Illustrated.
- "ZP Vacant Light Heavyweight Championship". tapology.com. 9 September 2017. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
- Oswald, Brian. "Former UFC Fighters Now Bare-Knuckle Boxing". Bleacher Report.
External links
- Professional MMA record for Joe Riggs from Sherdog
- Joe Riggs at UFC
- Strikeforce profile
- Knucklepit interview
| 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|