Valor Fights is a promotion on the rise and Sidney Wheeler is a big part of that push. The undefeated 19-year-old middleweight champion will get quite a test in his next challenge: he will face former UFC veteran Joe Riggs at Valor Fights 36 on August 13. 

All five of Wheeler’s professional bouts have come under the Valor banner. His most recent bout came against veteran Kendrick Miree in a thrilling fight at Valor Fights 33.

Wheeler’s performance against Mirree proved he was ready to face the next level of competition. Riggs fits the bill. 

Riggs has been a MMA staple for the past 15 years and has competed on every major stage in the sport. He is coming off a recent rough turn under the UFC banner. But if there’s anything Riggs has proven over the course of his career, it’s that he’s resilient as they come.



Riggs will be looking for a fresh start with Valor Fights, but he has a chance derail the promotion’s most promising young star in the process. With Wheeler’s rise and Riggs’ resurgence at stake, and when their respective styles are factored in, the potential is high for a classic scrap going down in Gatlinburg. 

Wheeler vs. Riggs is the perfect challenge for both men, and Valor Fights President Tim Loy is excited to give something special to fight fans.

“We are thrilled to bring a big fight like this to Gatlinburg in August,” Loy said. “Sidney has emerged as a special talent and has aspirations to make it to the very top of the sport. He wants to fight big fights.

"Joe Riggs knows all about big fights, as he’s been in them for years and years and has seen the very top level of MMA. He’s not going to be anyone’s stepping stone. This is going to be a war and a true fan-friendly fight that will top off what I promise will be a stacked card in Gatlinburg.”