Matt Riddle prepared to deal with potential hostile reception in England after ‘butter-toothed brit’ remarks

For Matt Riddle, his previous trip to England could have gone a little better.

In 2009, the former Ultimate Fighter (TUF) season 7 contestant lost the first mixed martial arts (MMA) fight of his career, coming up short on the judges scorecards to Nick Osipczak at UFC 105 in Manchester.

To make matters worse, "Deep Waters" revealed he was spat in the face by a "butter-toothed brit."

Seven fights and three years later and Riddle finds himself once again back in England competing against another British star in Che Mills as the two welterweights square off on the main card of this weekend's (Feb. 16, 2013) UFC on FUEL TV 7: "Barao vs. MacDonald" event in London.

In preparation for his return to the United Kingdom, "Deep Waters" says he's got plenty of backup should he encounter hostile fans who may have taken offense to his remarks. But, he says he isn't too worried this time around because the difference between the people in Manchester and London is like "night and day."

From today's (Feb. 13, 2013) UFC on FUEL TV 7: "Barao vs. MacDonald" press conference:

"I got James McSweeny, 'The Sledgehammer,' and Robert Drysdale walking out with me, so I feel pretty safe. I am going to be wearing a jacket with a hood in my walkout. But, I've been in London for the past couple of days and the difference between Manchester and London is night and day. You know, I'm not trying to be mean. But, right now, I am enjoying my time."

While Matt didn't get the showdown was hoping for against "The Outlaw" Dan Hardy, he will have his hands more than full with Mills who only has one loss in his last seven bouts. That defeat came at the hands of Canadian sensation Rory MacDonald last April lat UFC 145.

Coming off a unanimous decision victory over John Maquire at UFC 154, Riddle will be looking for his third straight win inside the Octagon against "Beautiful."

And he'll have his bodyguards and hooded jacket ready, just in case anyone feels the need to spit some fluids in his direction.

Is Michael Spitsbing in town?