Matt Riddle headed to Bellator MMA after Legacy FC contract buyout

Without ever competing in the organization, Matt Riddle's relationship with Legacy Fighting Championship (LFC) has come to an end and "Deep Waters" has a new home with Bellator MMA.

According to an initial report on Friday's (May 17, 2013) edition of AXS TV's "Inside MMA" that was later confirmed by MMA Junkie, Riddle's contract with LFC was bought out by Bellator MMA in what LFC promoter Mick Maynard called, "A deal I couldn't refuse."

The exact terms and conditions of the contract buyout are unknown at this time, and Bellator MMA officials have yet to formally comment on the situation.

An announcement had already been made that Riddle would make his LFC debut against Artenas Young at LFC 21 on July 19, 2013 after signing with the promotion in March; however, it appears that match up has now been scrapped from the fight card.

Riddle (7-3, 2 NC) is best known for his time with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and appearance on season seven of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) reality show.

Following the reality show, Riddle has a 12-fight stint under the UFC banner, where he was released from in late Feb. 2013 after testing positive for marijuana for the second time in his past three fights following a UFC on FUEL TV 7 bout against Che Mills.

During his five-plus year tenure with the UFC, Riddle picked up notable wins over the likes of Dan Cramer, DaMarques Johnson and John Maguire. It appeared Riddle was just hitting his stride as a fighter up until the somewhat sudden release.

Since parting ways with the UFC, Riddle has been very outspoken regarding his thoughts on the organization, saying he does not have any intentions of returning to the world's premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization.

MMAmania.com will pass along the name of Riddle's opponent for his Bellator MMA debut when it becomes available.