Matt Riddle out Of Bellator 109 Bout

It would seem that Matt Riddle’s Bellator debut is yet again postponed. According to his opponent Nathan Coy, Riddle has pulled out of next week’s Bellator 109 card for unknown reasons. Coy, understandably, is not happy about the bout’s cancellation.

“This is my livelihood. I’m supporting my family by doing this. I needed this opportunity like he needed this opportunity. It’s his hometown. What the hell’s going on? He should be thrilled to fight on that card. Apparently not. Apparently he doesn’t want that.”

According to Coy, the winner of the bout was to receive a place in the upcoming Season 10 Welterweight tournament, but after Riddle’s withdrawal, he has now been promised the tournament slot.

Coy has been a longtime MMA veteran, competing in organizations such as Strikeforce, Bellator, and MFC, and holding victories over current UFC notables Mike Pierce and Rick Story. He was hoping to use this fight as a chance to gain exposure.

“This was a great opportunity for me to get my name out there and it was taken away,” Coy said. “This is what we’re all fighting for – a chance to get on television. This was a chance for me to get noticed, to be recognized, and display my skills.”

Riddle, of course, is no stranger to controversy. Despite having a solid 7-3-2 run in the UFC, two failed drug tests in a year prompted his release from the organization. He signed to Legacy Fighting Championship, where his contract was subsequently purchased by Bellator. He was initially slotted to be in a Welterweight tournament, but after an injury forced him out, he announced his retirement, which he came out of just weeks later. His future with Bellator is currently unknown.