Bantamweight MMA Athlete’s Arrest Raises Mental Health Concerns In UFC

The mental health of anyone is a big concern right now and that does not exclude the UFC. It appears it is the odd case tied to Irwin Rivera who is facing two counts of attempted murder.

The Mexican was arrested on Thursday in West Palm Beach, Florida after stabbing his two sisters according to an incident report obtained by ESPN.

Making it even more disturbing is that the 31-year-old Mexico City native told authorities that he had killed his sisters and claiming he did it for a “higher power.”

The sisters, aged 22 and 33 respectively, were found with multiple stab wounds. The younger one had wounds on her back, head and arm. The older one seems to have gotten the worst of it, showing wounds on her back, face, arms and hands.

Both were rushed to a local hospital and are still alive. The arrest of Rivera was first reported by MMA reporter Eric Kowal.

The disturbing development is being connected to mental health issues, something that Rivera’s manager Ali Abdelaziz raised with UFC officials. The promotion is now making its own investigation on the Mexican’s case and added that he will not be given a bout for now.

“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,” part of the statement read.

Rivera was last seen at UFC Fight Night 178 in September 2020. He faced Andre Ewell and lost via split decision.

He owns a 1-2 UFC record with his lone win coming against Ali AlQaisi at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Olenik in August 2020.

Rivera’s other loss was during his UFC debut against Giga Chikadze at UFC on ESPN: Overeem vs. Harris on May 16, 2020. He lost via unanimous decision in the featherweight bout.

It has been a turbulent run for the Mexican who perhaps had his best year in 2019 with Titan FC. He won the Titan FC bantamweight title with a TKO win over Matt Wagy on June 28, 2019.

“The Beast” defended the same title at Titan FC 58 in December of the same year against Danny Sabatello. He won via TKO once more.

Rivera vacated the title in May 2020 to sign with the UFC. Unfortunately, things have not gone well for the Mexican.