Caught doping with marijuana, Matt Riddle complains: 'I got fired for taking my medicine'

Riddle (photo) complains about being fired from the UFC for using marijuana. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

North-American Matt Riddle was fired from Ultimate after being caught with marijuana residue in the anti-doping test collected after his victory over Che Mills, at UFC on FUEL 7, held on February 16th. However, the fighter declares himself innocent of the accusation and complains about the UFC's decision.

In an interview with the former champion's website B.J. Penn, Riddle guarantees that he has a license for the medicinal use of marijuana. According to the fighter, the UFC organization did not provide further information about the case and simply dismissed him.

“They (UFC) called me and said I had failed a drug test. I still don't know how this is possible. I stopped smoking three weeks before the fight. I've already passed drug tests that I stopped two weeks before. I asked for my numbers, and they sent me a document that just said I tested positive for marijuana. It didn’t say how much, just that it was above the maximum,” said Riddle, who took the opportunity to criticize those who use hormone replacement therapy as a medical treatment.

“There’s not much I can do. They prescribed this medicine, and I'm going to take it. I got fired for taking my medicine because I don't want to take pharmaceutical drugs or testosterone. That’s what works for me,” he added.

Riddle leaves the UFC as one of the few athletes who spent his entire 12-fight career in the Las Vegas organization. In his last appearance in the octagon, the American beat Che Mills, by split decision from the judges.

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