Matt Riddle Ends Short-Lived Retirement, Makes Nov. 22 Debut at Bellator 108

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Matt Riddle’s retirement did not last long.

The fighter Thursday announced his intention to return to the cage on Nov. 22 at Bellator 108, which takes place in Riddle’s home state of Pennsylvania. Sherdog.com verified Riddle’s statements to MMAJunkie.com with a source close to the event.

Riddle, 27, announced both his withdrawal from Bellator’s Season 9 welterweight tournament and his retirement last month after cracking a rib in training. The UFC veteran was expected to face Luis Sergio Teotonio da Fonseca Melo Jr. on Sept. 20, but instead decided to hang up his gloves.

“Bellator can’t give me a fight this year, so I can’t afford [to continue my career],” Riddle wrote on Twitter.

With the organization and fighter coming to terms, Riddle will now make his promotional foray at Bellator 108, which takes place at the Sands Casino Event Center in Bethlehem, Pa. Riddle’s opponent has not yet been revealed, and Bellator officials have yet to make a statement on the fighter’s rescheduled debut.

Riddle cut his teeth in the UFC as a contestant on “The Ultimate Fighter 7” and then began his official Octagon career with five victories in six outings. After losing back-to-back fights, Riddle -- a medical marijuana patient in Nevada -- went on to win his next four, though two of those wins were later declared no-contests after Riddle tested positive for cannabis. “Deep Waters” last competed on Feb. 16 and was released by the UFC that same month after his latest positive test.