UFC fighter, Irwin Rivera, was taken into custody by police Thursday in West Palm Beach Fla., on two counts of attempted murder charges.
Online police records from the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office show that he was booked at 12:08 p.m., and he is currently being held in the Main Detention Center without bail. MMA reporter, Eric Kowal, initially broke the news on this story.
According to an incident report (first obtained by ESPN), Rivera is being accused of stabbing his two sisters, ages 22 and 33. The younger sister suffered stab wounds to her back, head, and arm, while the older sister suffered wounds to her back, face, arms, hands, and had two collapsed lungs. Despite the severe wounds, both sisters were still alive when taken to a nearby hospital.
At the time of the report, one sister was in stable condition, and the other was in critical condition.
When police contacted Rivera earlier that morning, he told them “I killed my sisters.” Admitting to stabbing them with a “brass knuckle knife,” for a “higher power.”
A UFC official provided a statement to MMA Fighting, stating that they are aware of the situation, and that further action will be taken following the conclusion of the investigation.
“UFC is aware of the recent incident involving Irwin Rivera and subsequently received information from his management that he has been exhibiting behavior consistent with mental health issues,” the statement read. “The allegations are extremely troubling and the organization 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.”
According to the incident report, one of the sisters was able to escape the house and went to the next door neighbor for help, “He’s trying to kill me! Please help my sister,” she pleaded. When the neighbor opened the door, they saw Rivera walk by, telling them, “Shut the door” and that “Everything is okay,” before taking off running towards the Federal Hwy.
Depending on whether Rivera gets charged with first or second degree attempted murder, he’s looking at facing a minimum of fifteen years to life. In Florida, second degree attempted murder receives a minimum sentence of 15 years, while first degree attempted murder receives a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Rivera, 31, is a former Titan FC champion, and he is currently 1-2 in the UFC. He last fought in September, losing by split decision to, Andre Ewell, at UFC Vegas 11: Covington vs. Woodley.
More to come on this developing story.
