Joseph Jonathan “Joe” Riggs is an American professional Mixed Martial Artist. He has competed in the UFC, ProElite, King of the Cage, Strikeforce, and a few other organizations. He has also held the title for the WEC Middleweight Championship. Joe has some interesting tattoos on his body. Let us take a look at them and the meanings behind them.
1. ‘DIESEL’ Tattoo
Tattoo: The word, “DIESEL” is tattooed across his stomach in large green letters.
Meaning: Joe got this tattoo as it is one of his nicknames, “Joe Diesel Riggs” and it also makes him stand out.
2. ‘Name and Words’ Tattoo
Tattoo: The right side of his chest has his family name, “RIGGS” tattooed on it. The upper part of his chest contains a line tattooed on it. The line reads, “If you’re not fighting for something you’re dying for nothing”
Meaning: The line on his chest is one that he came up with himself and is a saying that he really believes in and the saying that goes for everything in life.
3. ‘Birds and Letters’ Tattoo
Tattoo: The right shoulder and upper arm of the fighter contains a large design tattooed on it in green ink that is the upper body of a phoenix bird. The letters, “NHB” are tattooed below the design. A caged pattern of chains can be seen behind the phoenix too.
Meaning: The phoenix is a mythical bird that rises up from its own ashes. The NHB on his arm stands for “No Holds Barred”. MMA was known as “Ultimate Fighting” and “No Holds Barred (NHB)” before. The cages pattern signifies the ring that MMA fighters fight in.
4. ‘Fish and Date’ Tattoo
Tattoo: There is a koi fish tattooed on the upper side of the fighter’s forearm and elbow. The name, “JADIM” is tattooed on the upper side of his right wrist, and the date is tattooed just below the name.
Meaning: The Koi fish is used to symbolize the struggles one has faced and overcome during one’s life. Jadin is the name of his beloved daughter and the date might be her date of birth.
5. Name Tattoo
Tattoo: The name, “Lisa” is tattooed on the inner side of his right wrist.
Meaning: The name Lisa is the name of his wife, Lisa Riggs. Together the couple has a son, Joseph, and a daughter, Jadin.
6. Quote Tattoo
Tattoo: The quote, “Only God can judge me” is tattooed on the fighter’s left upper arm. There is also a design tattooed on the left side of his upper back.
