UFC Fighter Irwin Rivera Granted Release After Two Attempted Murder Charges

Irwin Rivera has been released from police custody after being charged with attempted murder earlier this year.

The UFC fighter was granted a conditional release after a judge approved his plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. Rivera had been in custody since Jan. 6 on two felony charges of attempted murder after allegedly stabbing his sisters. Rivera was released on Tuesday following a Monday hearing. ESPN Deportes was first to report the results of the case.

According to a sentencing order, Rivera was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and it was determined that the attack on his sisters was the first episode of that condition. Dr. Sheila Rapa testified during the hearing that Rivera is able to function with medication and that he is not a threat to himself or anyone else. She also had “no problem” with Rivera continuing his MMA career.

In order for Rivera to remain out of custody or hospital care, he must remain on medication and under the care of a psychiatrist. For travel, he must be accompanied by family or friends, including MMA teammates Gilbert Burns and Sean Soriano.

Rivera was arrested after admitting to stabbing his sisters in January. One was hospitalized with collapsed lungs, while the other sustained stab wounds to her back, arms, face and hands. At the time, Rivera claimed he was told to kill his sisters by a “higher power.” Neither woman suffered lasting damage and both testified on Rivera’s behalf during the hearing. Rivera’s family also defended him shortly after the attack.

Rivera competed three times under the UFC banner in 2020. The Titan FC veteran went 1-2 in the Octagon, most recently dropping a split verdict to Andre Ewell at UFC Fight Night 178.