Bellator Inks UFC Vet Matt Riddle after Legacy FC Contract Buyout

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UFC veteran Matt Riddle is now a member of the Bellator roster after the Viacom-owned promotion bought out the fighter’s Legacy Fighting Championship contract.

AXS TV’s “Inside MMA” first reported the news on Friday night, and Sherdog.com verified the development with both Legacy promoter Mick Maynard and an additional source close to the deal on Saturday. It is currently unknown when “Deep Waters” will make his Spike TV debut, and Bellator has not yet released a statement on the signing.

Riddle was released by the UFC in February after testing positive for cannabis twice in his last three fights. A medical marijuana patient in Nevada, Riddle signed a multi-fight deal with the Texas-based LFC in March and was slated to make his promotional foray against Artenas Young on July 19 at LFC 21. That booking has been scrapped, and it is unknown at this time if Young will remain on the card.

Riddle, 27, introduced himself to MMA fans as a cast member of “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 7 and has never competed outside the Octagon in nearly five years as a pro. The Pennsylvania native departed the UFC with a 7-3 record after seeing two victories changed to no-contests due to failed drug tests.