Matt Riddle Released After Failed Drug Test; UFC on Fuel TV 7 Win Changed to NC

Sherdog.com confirmed the fighter’s release with UFC executive Marc Ratner, who also verified that the welterweight’s UFC on Fuel TV 7 victory over Che Mills has been changed to a no-contest. As that Feb. 16 event took place at the Wembley Arena in London, the UFC acted as its own regulatory body and oversaw the independent drug testing.

Riddle’s flagged sample marks his second offense, as “Deep Waters” also failed his UFC 149 post-fight drug test for marijuana metabolites last summer. The welterweight is a medical marijuana patient in his home state of Nevada and had never failed a drug test in nine Octagon appearances prior to UFC 149.

A cast member on “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 7, Riddle earned victories in five of his first six bouts before suffering back-to-back defeats at the hands of Sean Pierson and Lance Benoist. Were it not for Riddle’s two failed drug tests, the 27-year-old would currently be riding a four-fight winning streak. Usually known for his excellent conditioning and willingness to exchange punches, Riddle put his wrestling skills to good use against Mills, continually grounding the Brit to earn the approval of two of the three cage-side judges. With that victory now erased, Riddle departs the UFC with a record of 7-3 with two no-contests.