Brad Riddell

Bradley Stephen Riddell (born 30 September 1991) is a New Zealand mixed martial artist and former kickboxer, who competed in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Early life Riddell played rugby union throughout his upbringing before quitting the sport to focus on martial arts.

Kickboxing Riddell won several kickboxing championships around New Zealand during his rise through the regional scene. He also fought professional Muay Thai and kickboxing fights, fighting to a split decision with Glory welterweight champion, Cédric Doumbé, and losing a competitive decision to ONE lightweight champion, Regian Eersel. He also has wins against the likes of famed Aussie kickboxer John Wayne Parr.

Professional Boxing career In November 2015, Riddell took part in the four man Super 8 Boxing Tournament in his professional boxing debut. Riddell took on Reece Papuni in the semi-finals of the tournament. The ended in a draw in the third round, which lead to the fight going one extra round. Riddell lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Riddell made his MMA debut in an unexpected manner, having flown into Myanmar for a Muay Thai fight, but being told upon landing that it was a MMA fight. Then during his Muay Thai/Kickboxing career, he would continue to have MMA fights, mainly in the Glory of Heroes promotion, with his most notable win being a knockout of future fellow UFC fighter Kenan Song.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Brad made his UFC career debut against fellow newcomer, Jamie Mullarkey at UFC 243 on 5 October 2019. In a fast-paced fight, Riddell won the fight via unanimous decision and took home the Fight of the Night bonus.

Brad faced Magomed Mustafaev on 23 February 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Felder vs. Hooker. He won the fight via split decision.

Riddell faced Alex da Silva Coelho at UFC 253 on 27 September 2020. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Riddell was expected to face Gregor Gillespie on 20 March 2021 at UFC on ESPN 21. However, the day of the event the bout was postponed due to COVID-19 protocols.

Riddell faced Drew Dober on 12 June 2021 at UFC 263. He won the fight via unanimous decision. This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.

Riddell faced Rafael Fiziev on 4 December 2021 at UFC on ESPN 31. He lost the fight via knockout in round three.

Riddell faced Jalin Turner on 2 July 2022, at UFC 276. He lost the bout via guillotine choke 45 seconds into the contest.

Riddell faced Renato Moicano on 12 November 2022 at UFC 281. He lost the bout via a rear naked choke in the first round. After the loss, Riddell announced that he would be taking a hiatus from MMA.

Upon his return to fighting, Riddell was expected to face Thiago Moisés on 16 March 2024, at UFC Fight Night 239. On 14 February 2024 though, it was announced that he withdrew from the event due to undisclosed reasons.

On 18 May 2026, it was reported that Riddell was removed from the UFC roster.

Championships and achievements Mixed martial arts Ultimate Fighting Championship Fight of the Night (Two times)

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Renato Moicano Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 281

New York City, New York, United States Loss

Jalin Turner Submission (guillotine choke) UFC 276

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Rafael Fiziev KO (spinning wheel kick) UFC on ESPN: Font vs. Aldo

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Drew Dober Decision (unanimous) UFC 263

Glendale, Arizona, United States Win

Alex da Silva Coelho Decision (unanimous) UFC 253

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Win

Magomed Mustafaev Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Felder vs. Hooker

Auckland, New Zealand Win

Jamie Mullarkey Decision (unanimous) UFC 243

Melbourne, Australia Win

Mikey Vaotuua Decision (unanimous) Wollongong Wars 7

Gwynneville, Australia Win

Maxim Pugachev TKO (punches) Glory of Heroes 38

Shantou, China Win

Shem Murdoch TKO (punches) Glory of Heroes 37

Auckland, New Zealand Loss

Abel Brites Submission (armbar) Hex Fight Series 15

Perth, Australia Win

Song Kenan TKO (punch to the body) Glory of Heroes 6

Jiyuan, China Win

Erruer Ye TKO (punches) Glory of Heroes: Conquest of Heroes 2

Jiyuan, China Win

Gi Gean Key KO (punch) International Boxing

Yangon, Myanmar Kickboxing and Muay Thai record

2012-06-24 Loss

Wu Lin Feng Henan, China Decision 3 3:00

2012-01-14 Loss

Wu Lin Feng Henan, China Decision 3 3:00

2011-12-02 Win

Wu Lin Feng Henan, China Decision 3 3:00

Boxing record 3 November 2015 Loss

3 (3) 0–1