Joe Riggs

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Joe Riggs
Born (1982-09-23) September 23, 1982 (age 41)
Sanford, Maine, United States
Other namesDiesel
NationalityAmerican
Height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight170 lb (77 kg; 12 st 2 lb)
DivisionHeavyweight
Light Heavyweight
Middleweight
Welterweight
Reach70 in (178 cm)
Fighting out ofPhoenix, Arizona, United States
TeamGrace Fighting Systems
RankBlack belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[1]
Years active2001–present
Professional boxing record
Total1
Losses1
Mixed martial arts record
Total70
Wins49
By knockout37
By submission7
By decision4
By disqualification1
Losses18
By knockout9
By submission6
By decision3
Draws1
No contests2
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Joseph Jonathan Riggs (born September 23, 1982) is an American professional bare-knuckle boxer and former mixed martial artist who is currently signed to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. 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.

Background[edit]

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.[2] 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[edit]

Early career[edit]

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[edit]

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 against 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 Welterweight to fight veteran Chris 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.[3]

Strikeforce[edit]

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.[4] 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.[5]

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.[6] 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.[7]

Bellator[edit]

About a month later, on January 10, 2011, Riggs signed with Bellator to fight in its Middleweight division.[8] 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[edit]

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[edit]

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.[9]

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. However, on September 3, it was revealed Riggs has sustained a significant eye injury and the bout was postponed indefinitely.[10] 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[edit]

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.[11] 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.[12]

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. [13] 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.[14][15]

Joe Riggs faced Patrick Côté on April 25, 2015, at UFC 186.[16] Riggs lost the back-and-forth fight by unanimous decision.[17]

Riggs was expected to face Uriah Hall in a middleweight bout on August 8, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 73.[18] However, Riggs pulled out of the fight in late July, citing an injury, and was replaced by promotional newcomer Oluwale Bamgbose.[19]

Following a quick recovery, Riggs faced Ron Stallings on September 5, 2015, at UFC 191.[20] Riggs won the bout via disqualification after Stallings landed an illegal upkick, which rendered Riggs unable to continue.[21]

Riggs faced Chris Camozzi on February 21, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 83.[22] He lost the fight via TKO in the first round due a series of knees by Camozzi, which broke the right forearm of Riggs.[23] On April 13, Riggs was released from the promotion.[24]

Post UFC[edit]

In his first bout post his second UFC release, Riggs achieved a catchweight victory over Cody McKenzie in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. They continued their winning streak with victories over Billy Martin, Jerome Jones, Dmitry Samoilov, and Shonie Carter, ultimately winning the vacant Fight Night Light Heavyweight Championship on September 9, 2017. Riggs then went on to win against Oleg Olenichev and Erick Lozano, securing the KOP Middleweight Championship on February 24, 2018. After a draw against Borys Polezhai, Riggs faced a loss against Artem Frolov on June 1, 2018, for the M-1 Middleweight Championship. The fighter bounced back with a win over Dan Yates on January 4, 2019, before their most recent fight against George Sullivan was overturned due to a positive test for PEDs.

Bare-knuckle boxing[edit]

BKB[edit]

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,[25] by unanimous decision at BKB 4.[26][deprecated source] 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.[27]

BKFC[edit]

Riggs signed with the BKFC in 2018 and made his promotional debut against Brok Weaver at BKFC 3: The Takeover on October 20, 2018. He won the bout via unanimous decision.[28]

He made his sophomore appearance in the promotion against Heriberto Tovar at BKFC 4 on February 2, 2019. He won the fight via unanimous decision.[29]

He then faced Walber Brito de Barros at BKFC 6 on June 22, 2019. The bout was ruled a unanimous draw.[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]

Riggs then faced Héctor Lombard for the inaugural BKFC Cruiserweight Championship at BKFC 18 on June 26, 2021. He lost the fight via fourth-round technical knockout.[33]

Riggs faced Melvin Guillard at BKFC Fight Night: Montana on October 9, 2021.[34] He won the fight via first-minute knockout.[35]

Personal life[edit]

Joe and his wife had a son who died shortly after birth.[36] They have another son.[37] Joe also has a daughter named Jadin who is 3 years younger than his son.[38]

Championships and accomplishments[edit]

Mixed martial arts record[edit]

Professional record breakdown
70 matches 49 wins 18 losses
By knockout 37 9
By submission 7 6
By decision 4 3
By disqualification 1 0
Draws 1
No contests 2
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
NC 49–18–1 (2) George Sullivan NC (overturned) Ring of Combat 70 November 23, 2019 3 2:08 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Originally a TKO stoppage victory for Riggs, overturned after Riggs tested positive for PEDs.
Win 49–18–1 (1) Dan Yates TKO (submission to punches) KOP 63 January 4, 2019 1 3:31 Muskegon, Michigan, United States
Loss 48–18–1 (1) Artem Frolov TKO (knee 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) Borys Polezhai 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 Won the 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 TKO (punches) 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 44–17 (1) Jerome Jones TKO (punches) WXC 68 April 8, 2017 1 0:27 Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States
Win 43–17–(1) Billy Martin TKO (punches) ICF 27: The Last Stand April 8, 2017 1 1:48 Great Falls, Montana, United States
Win 42–17 (1) Cody McKenzie TKO (submission to 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 (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 TKO (submission to 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 TKO (submission to 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 TKO (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 1:45 San Diego, California, United States Sanchez tested positive for marijuana.
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 bout; Riggs missed weight (172 lb).
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 TKO (submission to 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 TKO (submission to 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 TKO (submission to 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 TKO (submission to 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 TKO (submission to punches) RITC 33: The Big Show February 2, 2002 1 2:00 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 2–0 Justin Lyon TKO (submission to punches) RITC 31 November 7, 2001 1 0:33 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 1–0 Ryan Roath TKO (submission to punches) RITC 30: Soaring to New Heights September 26, 2001 1 2:32 Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Mixed martial arts exhibition record[edit]

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.

Professional boxing record[edit]

1 fight 0 wins 1 loss
By knockout 0 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
1 Los 0–1 Markus Perez TKO 3 (4), 1:19 Apr 1, 2023 Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.

Bare-knuckle boxing record[edit]

Professional record breakdown
7 matches 4 wins 2 losses
By knockout 1 2
By decision 3 0
Draws 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 4–2–1 Lorenzo Hunt KO (punches) BKFC 24 April 30, 2022 2 1:12 Great Falls, Montana, US For the BKFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
Win 4–1–1 Melvin Guillard KO (punch) BKFC Fight Night: Montana October 9, 2021 1 0:59 Billings, Montana, United States Knockout of the Year (2022).
Loss 3–1–1 Héctor Lombard TKO (doctor stoppage) BKFC 18 June 26, 2021 4 1:07 Miami, Florida, US For the inaugural BKFC Cruiserweight Championship.
Draw 3–0–1 Walber Barros Draw (unanimous) BKFC 6: Malignaggi vs. Lobov June 22, 2019 5 2:00 Tampa, Florida, US
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, US
Win 1–0 Christian Evans Decision (unanimous) BKB 4 February 2017 5 2:00 London, England Won the BKB Light Heavyweight World Championship[40]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Joe Riggs - Official UFC Fighter Profile". UFC.com. Retrieved December 15, 2014.
  2. ^ Knucklepit.com (2005). "Joe Riggs". The Middleweight Casting a Heavyweight Shadow. Archived from the original on 2006-05-18. Retrieved 2006-06-09.
  3. ^ "Riggs Pulls Out of WEC Fight". MMA on Tap.
  4. ^ James Iannotti (19 June 2008). "Joe Riggs vs Luke Stewart Strikeforce fight booked with Shonie Carter hurt". MMAmania.
  5. ^ "Riggs Denied Licensure for Strikeforce - Pictures". Sherdog.
  6. ^ "Joe Riggs vs Jay Hieron at Strikeforce: 'Miami' on Jan. 30". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2009-01-02.
  7. ^ Anton Tabuena (9 December 2010). "Strikeforce Parts Ways With Joey Villasenor and Joe Riggs". Bloody Elbow.
  8. ^ Dann Stupp. "Bellator signs veteran middleweight Joe Riggs". MMAjunkie.
  9. ^ "'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.
  10. ^ "Saturday's 'Fight Master' finale bout postponed". Archived from the original on 2013-11-04.
  11. ^ "Report: Joe Riggs returns to UFC, set to face Paulo Thiago at UFN 51". bloodyelbow.com. July 24, 2014.
  12. ^ 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.
  13. ^ "Joe Riggs meets Ben Saunders at UFC on FOX 13 in Phoenix MMAjunkie". Matt Erickson. September 22, 2014.
  14. ^ 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.
  15. ^ 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.
  16. ^ Keith Grienke (January 17, 2015). "Title Fight & 5 Canadians Officially Announced for UFC Montreal". Top MMA News.
  17. ^ Ben Fowlkes (2015-04-25). "UFC 186 results: Patrick Cote gets hometown win, takes decision from Joe Riggs". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-04-25.
  18. ^ Staff (2015-07-03). "Uriah Hall vs. Joe Riggs booked for UFC Fight Night 73". themmareport.com. Retrieved 2015-07-03.
  19. ^ 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.
  20. ^ Staff (2015-08-06). "UFC 191 adds Joe Riggs vs. Ron Stallings". themmareport.com. Retrieved 2015-08-06.
  21. ^ 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.
  22. ^ Staff (2015-12-15). "Seven fights added to UFC Fight Night 82 in Pittsburgh". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-12-15.
  23. ^ 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.
  24. ^ 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.
  25. ^ "10 Times MMA Stars Fought In Bare Knuckle Boxing". April 14, 2019.
  26. ^ Mills, George (February 8, 2017). "Ex-UFC star wins UK bareknuckle boxing title fight after dishing out 'savage ass kicking'". Dailystar.co.uk.
  27. ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "JOE RIGGS VS CHRISTIAN EVANS - BKB4 LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT BARE KNUCKLE TITLE FIGHT * EXCLUSIVE *". YouTube.
  28. ^ Dan Hiergesell (October 20, 2018). "Bare Knuckle FC 3 live results stream, highlights for 'Adams vs Shewmaker' in Biloxi". mmamania.com.
  29. ^ Tom Taylor (February 3, 2019). "BKFC 4 results: Leonard Garcia KOs Julian Lane, Bec Rawlings and Chris Lytle pick up wins". bjpenn.com.
  30. ^ Dave Doyle (June 23, 2019). "Bare Knuckle FC 6 results: Artem Lobov rallies late for decision win over Paulie Malignaggi". MMAjunkie.com.
  31. ^ Nolan King (December 16, 2019). "Hector Lombard vs. Joe Riggs to headline BKFC 10 in February". mmajunkie.com.
  32. ^ Nolan King (January 20, 2020). "Hector Lombard gets new BKFC 10 opponent after Joe Riggs drops out". mmajunkie.com.
  33. ^ Damon Martin (June 27, 2021). "BKFC 18 video: Hector Lombard gets in post-fight brawl after winning title in bizarre stoppage". mmafighting.com.
  34. ^ Mike Heck (September 16, 2021). "Taylor Starling vs. Randine Elkholm, Joe Riggs vs. Melvin Guillard set for BKFC Montana in October". mmafighting.com.
  35. ^ Matthew Wells (October 9, 2021). "BKFC Fight Night Montana results: Joe Riggs knocks out Melvin Guillard in 59 seconds". MMAjunkie.com.
  36. ^ "Interview with Joe where he talks about the death of his son".
  37. ^ 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.
  38. ^ Hunt, Loretta. "Loretta Hunt: Riggs hoping to survive Bellator debut after surviving much more". Sports Illustrated.
  39. ^ "ZP Vacant Light Heavyweight Championship". tapology.com. 9 September 2017. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
  40. ^ Oswald, Brian. "Former UFC Fighters Now Bare-Knuckle Boxing". Bleacher Report.

External links[edit]

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