Ex-UFC Fighter Attacks Reporter on Podcast After 'Payday' Comment

A former MMA fighter who was previously signed to the UFC appeared to attack a reporter on a podcast.

Matt Riddle, a former WWE tag-team champion, has been slammed by fans after he attacked a reporter on TMZ’s Inside the Ring podcast.

Riddle, 39, began his career as a mixed martial artist in 2008, competing to 2014, a period during which he competed in the UFC.

The 39-year-old secured wins over the likes of Dan Cramer and Henry Martinez during his time with the American promotion before signing with Bellator after being released by the UFC in 2013.

But following a rib injury, he never competed under the promotion's banner and subsequently retired from MMA due to financial reasons – although he came out of retirement, fighting in Titan FC in 2014.

Since then, Riddle has made a career in professional wrestling and was signed by the WWE in 2018.

He competed in the WWE for around five years before announcing his exit in 2023, having unsuccessfully challenged Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship.

Riddle has since competed on various shows and recently sat down with TMZ reporters Branson Quirke and Roger Corral for an unfiltered podcast.

However, Riddle appeared to lose his cool when Quirke asked about whether he was “looking for a payday” and if he could beat Jake Paul in a fight.

“I feel like you’re kind of looking more so for a payday. No, that’s not what I’m trying to say,” Quirk said before the fighter reacted, pushed his microphone away and pinned the host to a table.

Riddle replied: “This is the thing, I like–when people either say, ‘That’s not what I’m trying to say,’ or ‘No disrespect.’ When you f**king say something disrespectful. Let’s be honest, I’ve done your f**king sh**ty podcast how many times? Three four f**king times? I’m not even f**king here to talk to you, motherf***er. I’m here to wrestle at MLW, where I was the former World Champion. I’m about to be the f**king World Champion again. I don’t know why you bring up CM Punk, I get a bunch of f**king headaches all the f**king time.”

It is unclear if the incident was rehearsed or genuine, but fans were still quick to react on social media.

One said: “This was a shoot. It’s to generate heat for the guy. Attacking someone without inflicting any actual harm is a wrestler’s bread and butter.”

Another added: “You can see him smile as he takes him down.”

A third claimed: “My favourite part was when he laid him down ever so gently, gave him the playful 2-inch slap on his cheek, and remembered to grab his little indie belt.”