Joe Riggs returning to UFC for 1st time since 2006, draws Paulo Thiago on Sept. 13

It's been seven-and-a-half years since we saw Joe Riggs inside of the UFC octagon. 93 months. 2,831 days.

Back then, on Dec. 13, 2006, Riggs was knocked out courtesy a knee from Diego Sanchez, dropping "Diesel" to 25-8 overall and handing him his third loss in five fights. He would leave the promotion afterward, primarily spending his time since in Strikeforce but also freelancing around the industry. He also spent time as a police officer during the World Cup.

But an injury to Mike Rhodes has created an opening at UFC Fight Night: Bigfoot vs. Arlovski, and Riggs is sliding into Rhodes' place opposite Paulo Thiago at the Sept. 13 event. Like his most recent law-enforcement gig, Riggs' opportunity will come in Brazil.

UFC officials confirmed the fight to Sherdog on Thursday.

Now 40-14 for his career, Riggs has railed off six consecutive victories, though the competition can't match what the 15-7 veteran Thiago brings to the table. A loser of six of his last eight fights, Thiago quite literally may have his UFC career on the line, as will Riggs, so expect to see both fighters leave everything in the cage.