Matthew Riddle headed to Bellator after Legacy FC contract bought out

Instead of Legacy Fighting Championship, recent UFC fighter Matthew Riddle instead will be heading to Bellator MMA.

Legacy FC promoter Mick Maynard confirmed the news with MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) following an initial report from AXS TV’s “Inside MMA” on Friday.

“It was a deal I couldn’t refuse, and it suited our long-term plans better, to be honest,” Maynard told MMAjunkie.com.

Bellator hasn’t made a formal announcement.

Riddle (7-3) was scheduled to fight July 19 fight at Legacy FC 21, where he was slated to fight fellow welterweight Artenas Young (9-5). There’s no word on a possible replacement.

Riddle most recently fought in February, where he earned a split-decision win over Che Mills at UFC on FUEL TV 7. Afterward, Riddle (who is a licensed medical marijuana user in Nevada) tested positive for marijuana metabolites. It was his second such result, and the UFC elected to release him from his contract.

Riddle has spent his entire pro career with the UFC following a stint on “The Ultimate Fighter 7.” Riddle came to the show with no professional experience but ultimately fought 12 times in the octagon and had won four consecutive fights before his release, though two were overturned to no-contests following the failed drug tests.

For more on Legacy FC 21 and Bellator’s upcoming schedule, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.