UFC fighter Irwin Rivera arrested, charged with attempted murder after stabbing his sisters.
UFC bantamweight, Irwin Rivera, has been arrested in Florida after allegedly stabbing his sisters. The fighter was charged with two counts of first-degree, premeditated murder and jailed on Wednesday.
The news was first reported by Eric Kowal and further details have emerged via MMAFighting and ESPN.
UPDATE: Rivera was charged with first degree premeditated murder pic.twitter.com/hobFqk58nO
— Eric Kowal – MyMMANews.com (@MyMMANews) January 8, 2021
Rivera was brought and booked to the Main Detention Center in West Palm Beach at around noon. In Florida, he could face the death penalty or life in prison if convicted.
The UFC released a statement to MMAFighting shortly after the arrest.
The UFC responds Irwin Rivera arrest
“UFC is aware of the recent incident involving Irwin Rivera and subsequently received information from his management that he has been exhibiting behavior consistent with mental health issues. The allegations are extremely troubling and the organization is currently gathering additional information. The investigation is ongoing and any potential next steps including disciplinary action or medical attention will be determined upon the conclusion. Furthermore, UFC has informed Rivera’s management that he will not be offered a bout at this time.”
Rivera is a former Titan FC champion and fought in the UFC Octagon in October where he lost via a split decision to Andre Ewell.
We will update this story as more information is made available.