UFC fighter Irwin Rivera was arrested and charged with two counts of attempted murder Thursday after stabbing his two sisters while they slept in his home in Boynton Beach, Florida, ESPN reported.
According to the report, the 31-year-old mixed martial artist was taken into custody by the Boynton Beach Police Department Thursday morning after initially fleeing the scene.
He is charged with two counts of premeditated murder in the first degree, according to E! News.
Believing he killed his sisters, Rivera confessed to police it was his purpose, stating he was compelled by a “higher power,” according to an incident report obtained by ESPN.
According to the incident report, Boynton Beach Police officers found Rivera’s 22- and 33-year-old sisters alive with multiple stab wounds after being called to a residence.
Both women were transported to the hospital; one victim is in stable condition, the other is in critical condition, Boynton Beach Police Department said according to ESPN.
In a statement obtained by ESPN, the UFC said it is investigating the “extremely troubling” allegations and would not be offering Rivera a fight at this time.
“UFC is aware of the recent incident involving Irwin Rivera and subsequently received information from his management that he has been exhibiting behavior consistent with mental health issues,” the UFC statement read. “The allegations are extremely troubling and the organization is currently gathering additional information. The investigation is ongoing and any potential next steps including disciplinary action or medical attention will be determined upon the conclusion. Furthermore, UFC has informed Rivera’s management that he will not be offered a bout at this time.”