UFC’s Irwin Rivera arrested on attempted murder charges after ‘admitting to stabbing his sisters’
- UFC bantamweight attacked siblings at his home in Florida while they were asleep, according to police report
- Rivera told officers he ‘killed both of his sisters and said he did so because it was his purpose, which he was told by a higher power’
UFC bantamweight Irwin Rivera has been arrested and charged with two counts of attempted murder after telling police he stabbed his sisters multiple times.
A police report first obtained by ESPN revealed the 31-year-old American Rivera admitted to entering his sisters’ bedroom at his house in Boyton beach, Florida, and attacking them with a brass-knuckle knife while they were sleeping in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Rivera’s 22-year-old sister was found “lying adjacent to the roadway covered in blood with multiple wounds throughout her back, head and arm”, according to the report. His 33-year-old sister was discovered inside the house “covered in blood with multiple wounds throughout back, face, arms and hands”.
One of the sisters managed to alert a neighbour, and police arrived to apprehend Rivera. Both sisters were rushed to hospital and are alive.
Rivera claimed to officers “he killed both of his sisters and said he did so because it was his purpose, which he was told by a higher power”, according to the police report.
MMA reporter Eric Kowal of MyMMANews.com first reported the detainment of “The Beast”, a former Titan FC champion (10-6) who was 1-2 in three UFC fights. He last fought in October, losing a split decision to Andre Ewell at UFC Vegas 11.
“UFC is aware of the incident involving Irwin Rivera and subsequently received information from his management that he has been exhibiting behaviour consistent with mental health issues,” a statement from the promotion read.
“The allegations are extremely troubling and the organisation is currently gathering additional information. The investigation is ongoing and any potential next steps including disciplinary action or medical attention will be determined upon the conclusion.
“Furthermore, UFC has informed Rivera’s management that he will not be offered a bout at this time.”
