Paddy Pimblett's teammate Luke Riley makes a plea to Dana White and UFC matchmakers after visa issues nix DWCS plans
Paddy Pimblett's teammate and close friend Luke Riley has recently requested UFC CEO Dana White and matchmakers Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby after his DWCS debut fell through due to visa issues. Riley has urged the promotional officials to sign him.
Riley, who is currently competing in European promotion Cage Warriors, squared off against Alexandre Junior in a featherweight bout at Cage Warriors 178 this past Saturday. He won the bout via knockout in the opening round and improved his professional record to 10-0.
Following his victory, while heading backstage, Riley sent a message to White, Maynard, and Shelby, asking them to sign him.
''Dana, Mick Maynard, Sean Shelby, you know where I am. Get me out this b*tch. C'mon help me out man.''
Check out Luke Riley's comments below (via @ParryPunchNews on X):
Riley, who trains with Pimblett and Molly McCann at Next Generation MMA in Liverpool, was scheduled to face Kevin Vallejos on Sept. 24 at Dana White's Contender Series. However, the 25-year-old's fight was canceled due to visa issues.
Before Cage Warriors 178, Riley spoke to MMA Junkie and expressed his disappointment over his canceled fight at DWCS.
''I felt a bit stuck, just a bit lost. But I stayed in the gym. Obviously it kept me a bit sane getting there.''
Riley also spoke out about making a statement in front of the UFC, saying:
''A lot of built-up f**king… I don’t even know what the word would be. It’s not even anger. It’s built-up emotion. I’m just looking to put a statement on, mate, basically. I want to make a statement to the UFC...after the performance I’m going to put on, they’re going to be like, ‘F***ing hell. Let’s sign this kid. I don’t know what we were thinking putting him on the Contender. This Luke, we need to sign him ASAP.'''
John Gooden is all in praise for Luke Riley
UFC commentator John Gooden recently expressed his admiration for young prospect Luke Riley before his fight against Alexandre Junior at Cage Warriors 178 last weekend.
Gooden highlighted Riley's fighting techniques on the UFC Fight Pass YouTube channel, saying:
''Freak athleticism, lighting speed and surgical accuracy are all features of Riley’s unmissable fight style...Riley’s fights are always exciting. I’m sure you’re picking up on his love for the knockout and he earns this with really beautiful, technical boxing. It is pretty rare to see such success from a combination fighter in MMA.''
Check out John Gooden's comments below (0:29):