Report: MMA Vet Allegedly Chased With Knife, Kills Man In Self-Defense

Shannon Ritch recently found himself in a scary situation.

The 152-fight mixed martial arts (MMA) veteran (58-90, 4 no contests) was in an alleged altercation in Phoenix, Arizona at 9:20 PM local time this past weekend (June 15, 2024), per Fox 10 Phoenix. The report states officers were alerted to a shooting that involved Ritch, 53, and 32-year-old Alejandro Samplina. Ritch allegedly shot and killed Samplina in a Phoenix Twin Falls parking lot, according to the investigation. Ritch claimed the debacle was over a parking issue and that Samplina began chasing him around his car with a knife.

”A self-defense claim consistent with witnesses and surveillance video” was provided by Ritch and the officers let him go. Charges will be submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for review.

“Ritch was able to retrieve his handgun from the open door of his vehicle,” Phoenix Police Sgt., Mayra Reeson, said. “Samplina proceeded to walk towards Ritch with the knife in a threatening manner. In response, Ritch fired one round, striking Samplina.”

Ritch last fought when he suffered a 31-second leg lock submission loss to Glenn Sparv in January 2020. “The Cannon” was supposed to make his return to professional action in Doha, Qatar for a boxing match on the fictitious QSM Promotions Rumble of Titans event that was supposed to feature Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs. Shannon Briggs on June 8, 2024.

Despite the controversy that surrounded the event, Ritch still made the trip out to Doha and maintains something will happen in the future.