Irwin Rivera’s attempted murder case appears to have come to its resolution.
On Tuesday, ESPN Deportes was first to report that a judge had approved Rivera’s not guilty by reason of insanity plea. The fighter had been taken into custody in January, charged with attempted murder after stabbing two of his sisters.
Shortly after the incident, his family came out in support of the fighter, noting that his mental state had been in an obvious decline. Following his arrest, Rivera was placed on an involuntary hold at a mental health treatment facility for 72 hours.
During Rivera’s sentencing, it was revealed that the fighter had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The stabbing of his sisters marked the first attack of the condition Rivera had faced. A medical expert, Dr. Sheila Rapa, noted that Rivera is able to function with medication, and had no qualms about him continuing on with his fighting career.
Rivera was subsequently released from custody on the condition that he remain on his medication, and seek ongoing treatment from a psychiatrist. When traveling, he must be in the company of family or friends. Among those approved to accompany Rivera while traveling were UFC fighters Gilbert Burns and Sean Soriano.
A three time veteran of the UFC octagon, Rivera most recently competed at UFC Vegas 11, losing a split decision to Andre Ewell.
During Rivera’s January arrest, responding officers stated the Rivera had believed he had killed his sisters, and had been told to do so by a higher power.
