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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Joe Riggs was re-signed by the UFC this month and booked as an injury replacement against Paulo Thiago at UFC Fight Night 51 in Brasilia in September. Now, Riggs is out of that fight after accidentally shooting himself.
The UFC released a statement on his removal from the event on Tuesday, revealing that Riggs had accidentally discharged his pistol while cleaning it, injuring his hand and thigh in the process.
"We were made aware that newly-signed UFC competitor Joe Riggs was involved in an unfortunate accident last night," the UFC's statement read. "While cleaning his permitted firearm (a pistol), the gun discharged, injuring his hand and upper thigh. Riggs was transported to a nearby hospital in Arizona where he is being treated by physicians. We wish Joe a speedy recovery."
The UFC is seeking another replacement opponent to face Thiago on Sept. 13.
Penick's Analysis: You couldn't make this up. He's expected to be alright, which is the good thing to take out of this story, but wow. Hopefully for his sake he didn't suffer any serious damage, but it could take a while to heal from these injuries depending on exactly where he shot himself.
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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