UFC bantamweight fighter Irwin Rivera was apprehended by Boynton Beach Police Department on Thursday after being accused of stabbing his two sisters.
The 31-year-old Rivera was charged with two counts of attempted murder and is currently held without bail, according to Mark Raimondi of ESPN.
The two victims, aged 22 and 33, were found with multiple stab wounds all over their bodies. Luckily, both survived their brother's harrowing attack and were immediately rushed to the hospital.
According to one of the victims, they were staying in a spare room of Rivera's residence when he just suddenly attacked them in their sleep with a knife in hand. A crazed Rivera reportedly kept stabbing them before fleeing the scene of the crime.
Law enforcement was able to arrest the UFC fighter on Thursday morning. He immediately confessed to “killing his sisters.” Rivera allegedly attacked his own sisters using a brass knuckle knife after supposedly being urged by a “higher power.”
The UFC, which will hold UFC 257 later this month, released a statement condemning Rivera's actions.
“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 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.”
Rivera joined the UFC last year and had three bouts, going 1-2. His last outing was a split decision loss to Andre Ewell last December.
