PHOENIX - AUGUST 13: Joe Riggs (R) squares off against Louis Taylor (L) during the Strikeforce Challengers Men's Main card bout at Dodge Theater on August 13, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Louis Taylor;Joe Riggs (2010 Getty Images)
Mixed martial arts fighter Joe Riggs was cleaning a pistol at his home in Arizona on Monday, when the weapon accidentally went off, ESPN is reporting.
Riggs, 31, was taken to a nearby hospital where he was treated for injuries he sustained that are not believed to be life-threatening.
"We were made aware that newly-signed UFC competitor Joe Riggs was involved in an unfortunate accident last night," the UFC said in a statement on Tuesday. "While cleaning his permitted firearm, the gun discharged, injuring his hand and upper thigh. Riggs was transported to a nearby hospital in Arizona where is being treated by physicians. We wish Joe a speedy recovery."
Riggs (40-14) had been fighting in other events including the Bellator MMA reality series, “Fight Master,” which he won last November, but he announced that he was rejoining the UFC less than a week ago.
He last fought at a UFC event in 2006, a knockout loss to Diego Sanchez.
Riggs’ next scheduled fight was supposed to be against Paulo Thiago at a UFC Fight Night in Brasilia, Brazil, on Sept. 13.
A replacement fighter is being sought to face the Brazilian police officer, and there is a report that Shane Spencer (11-3) may wind up filling in for Riggs, but nothing has been confirmed.
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