Tag: Shannon Ritch

PRIDE, WEC alum Shannon Ritch claims self-defense after fatal shooting in Phoenix

One of the most experienced pro MMA fighters ever claims self defense after fatally shooting a man in North Phoenix.

One of the most experienced pro MMA fighters ever claims self-defense after fatally shooting a man in North Phoenix.

According to a media advisory issued by the Phoenix Police Department and acquired by MMA Junkie, [autotag]Shannon Ritch[/autotag] shot and killed Alejandro Samplina at approximately 9:20 p.m. ET. The alleged incident was first reported by FOX10 Phoenix.

A police investigation determined Ritch and Samplina entered a dispute over a parking issue. Police allege Samplina produced a knife and chased Ritch around the vehicle before Ritch retrieved a handgun from his vehicle and fired one round that struck Samplina.

Samplina, 32, was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Ritch, 53, claimed self-defense. Police say the claim was consistent with witnesses and surveillance video. Ritch was released following the investigation. It’s unclear if Ritch has been charged, though police indicated it planned to submit charges to Maricopa County (Ariz.) Attorney’s office.

Ritch has a professional MMA record of 58-90, according to combat sports database Tapology. Since 1998, he’s competed all around the world for promotions, including PRIDE, WEC, KOTC, K-1, Pancrase, BKB, Road to M-1, and more.

Combat Rewind, April 4: Top highlights include a battle of MMA iron men

Check out the best highlights from this day in history with MMA Junkie’s “Combat Rewind.”

There’s “Flashback Friday” and “Throwback Thursday” (and Tuesday, too, if you want). But at MMA Junkie, we figured why not expand that to every day?

“Combat Rewind” brings you some of combat sports’ best highlights from every calendar day of the year. It’s a look back at history, courtesy of the UFC Fight Pass archives, featuring stellar finishes and classic moments in MMA and beyond on their anniversaries.

So kick back and relive the following bits of greatness in the video above:

  • M-1 Global USA: [autotag]Renee Dizon[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Joe Gustina[/autotag] – April 4, 2019
  • Pancrase – Passion Tour 3: [autotag]Masakazu Takafuji[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Takashi Ito[/autotag] – April 4, 2010
  • Pancrase – Passion Tour 3: [autotag]Eriya Matsuda[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Jonathan Gary[/autotag] – April 4, 2010
  • M-1 Global USA: [autotag]Travis Fulton[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Shannon Ritch[/autotag] – April 4, 2019

Fight footage courtesy of UFC Fight Pass, the UFC’s official digital subscription service, which is currently offering a seven-day free trial. UFC Fight Pass gives fans access to exclusive live UFC events and fights, exclusive live MMA and combat sports events from around the world, exclusive original and behind the scenes content and unprecedented 24-7 access to the world’s biggest fight library.