UFC fighter Irwin Rivera receives conditional release after attempted murder charges

UFC fighter Irwin Rivera has been released from police custody.

Following a conditional release ruling by Palm Beach County (Florida) courts Monday, the bantamweight fighter was officially released Tuesday at 2:18 p.m. local time, MMA Junkie confirmed shortly thereafter with the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office. ESPN Deportes was first to report Rivera’s release and the conditions surrounding it.

Court documents show examples of advocacy for Rivera during his attempted rehabilitation, including endorsements from doctors and family members which stated he is functional and drug and alcohol free. Rivera’s manager and Dominance CEO Ali Abdelaziz provided a written statement that pledged to assist Rivera in future work endeavors. Teammates Gilbert Burns and Sean Soriano offered to supervise Rivera during his release and Rivera will be allowed to stay in contact with his family, according to ESPN Deportes.

Rivera previously pled not guilty – citing insanity – to two felony charges of attempted first degree murder with a deadly weapon, according to Palm Beach County records obtained by MMA Junkie. The court’s release comes with the conditions Rivera must continue bipolar medication, therapy, permanent supervision by family and friends, and progress toward a return to a working life.

Rivera, 32, had been in custody since a Jan. 6 arrest for allegedly stabbing his sisters in Boynton Beach, Fla. He faces two felony charges of attempted first degree murder with a deadly weapon.

According to police, when they found Rivera after a four-hour search, he stated that a higher power had instructed him to kill his family members. Both sisters were taken to Delray Beach Medical Center to treat several stab wounds on their heads, backs, arms, faces and hands. Police said the younger sister had two collapsed lungs.

In the days following his arrest, Rivera’s family defended him, and cited that it was not normal behavior or actions they faulted him for. They later testified on his behalf in court.

Prior to his arrest, Rivera competed in the UFC three times. He suffered losses to Giga Chikadze and Andre Ewell and defeated against Ali Alqaisi in August 2020. Rivera has not competed since September 2020. The promotion said in a January statement it would investigate Rivera’s situation and not offer him any fights in the meantime.