Following Matt Riddle’s WWE release, it has been reported that there has been interest from multiple MMA promotions in working with him. This would seemingly indicate that his future, in at least the short term, could be way from pro wrestling. And now, in the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it has been written by Dave Meltzer that the former UFC fighter could be set to fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Still, it is noted that talks are preliminary, and it has yet to be determined whether any potential fight would be under MMA or boxing rules.
“Still, there were at least talks that were expected to take place this week regarding Jake Paul vs. Riddle. At best the talk right now should be categorized as very preliminary. Ultimately it’s a call that will be made on Paul’s side. If it’s boxing rules, it’s likely an easy safe fight for Paul and Riddle would be doing it for a payday. If it’s MMA rules, it’s intriguing because Paul would be younger and has been fighting while Riddle hasn’t, and the size isn’t an issue like it was with Paul boxing guys like Nate Diaz and Tyron Woodley.”
Dave Meltzer37-year-old Riddle first came to fame via The Ultimate Fighter, winning his professional debut during the Ultimate Fighter 7 Finale in 2008. Subsequently, he would achieve multiple victories as both a middleweight and welterweight and looked set to become an MMA star. However, due to failing two drug tests within a year, he was released from his contract, resulting in a public war of words with UFC head honcho Dana White.
