UFC welterweight Joe Riggs hospitalized after shooting himself in Arizona

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight veteran Joe Riggs has been forced from his upcoming Paulo Thiago fight at the UFC Fight Night 51 mixed martial arts (MMA) event on FOX Sports 1, which takes place on Sept. 13, 2014 inside Nilson Nelson Gymnasium in Brasilia, Brazil.

From UFC.com:

"We were made aware that newly-signed UFC competitor Joe Riggs was involved in an unfortunate accident last night. While cleaning his permitted firearm (a pistol), the gun discharged, injuring his hand and upper thigh. Riggs was transported to a nearby hospital in Arizona where he is being treated by physicians. We wish Joe a speedy recovery."

Riggs (40-14) is the winner of six straight, including his "Fight Master" tournament victory over Mike Bronzoulis at Bellator 106 last November. "Diesel" -- still only 31 -- is perhaps best remembered by UFC fans for his post-fight brawl with Nick Diaz inside a Las Vegas hospital just hours after UFC 57.

No replacement opponent for Thiago has been named at this time.