UFC bantamweight fighter Irwin Rivera has been arrested and charged with two counts of First Degree Murder.
Circumstances leading to Rivera’s arrest are unclear, but according to MMA reporter Eric Kowal, the 31-year-old allegedly stabbed his sisters.
In a statement provided to MMA Fighting, the UFC said it was aware of the situation after Rivera’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz of Dominance MMA, made promotion officials aware of potential “mental health issues.”
“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,” UFC officials said in a statement released to MMA Fighting.
“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.”
If convicted, Rivera could face life in prison or even the death penalty under Florida law.
Rivera, who made his UFC debut last year and went 1-2 with the promotion.
