Tyron Woodley Not Looking For Boxing One-Off: “I Want To Fight Twice This Year”

By: Hans Themistode

For Tyron Woodley, he made his bones destroying his opponents within the UFC’s octagon. At one level, the 39-year-old was thought of the very best within the welterweight division as he held the UFC crown from 2016-2019.

Nonetheless, regardless of being a well-respected fighter within the cage, Woodley seems to be prepared to maneuver previous his time within the octagon and enter the boxing ring full time. Just lately, each Woodley and YouTube star turned de-facto boxer, Jake Paul, agreed to phrases for a showdown set to happen on August twenty eighth. Whereas on paper it is perhaps the primary official boxing match for Woodley however that doesn’t imply it’ll be the final.

“I need to struggle twice this yr,” stated Woodley throughout an interview with TMZ. “I struggle [Jake Paul] on August 28 and I feel round November, I’ll be able to field once more.”

For Woodley, the information that he’s preventing Paul was music to his ears. Just some months in the past, Woodley stood ringside as Paul stopped his good pal and former MMA star, Ben Askren. All Paul wanted was the primary spherical to get the job accomplished, dropping him within the opening body earlier than their bout was formally waved off.

Instantly following the win, Woodley dared Paul to face him. Whereas he has by no means stepped right into a boxing ring, Woodley has knocked out a number of opponents within the octagon. But, no matter his success, Woodley is at the moment on a four-fight dropping streak within the UFC and was brutally submitted within the first spherical in March earlier this yr.

Together with his UFC profession falling aside, many, together with Woodley, believed his time on the high of the division and extra importantly, cashing large checks, had been over. Nevertheless, contemplating how a lot he’s getting paid to face Paul, Woodley couldn’t be happier with the place his inventory is.

“The perfect factor that’s occurred within the final 24 hours is I’m smiling that my market worth is the place it’s at. You gained’t put me within the clearance rack.”

In response to Woodley’s supervisor Malki Kawa, the previous UFC champion is making a seven-figure paycheck. Though oddsmakers have already declared Paul because the early favourite heading into their showdown, Woodley is supremely assured that he’s going to make it look straightforward come August twenty eighth. His perception in himself has nothing to do with overlooking the competitors or any potential hubris. As a substitute, Woodley is just ready to place his head down and get to work.

“[The reason I said he’ll be the easiest fight my career], it’s not as a result of he’s a straightforward struggle, however as a result of I’m gonna practice my ass off and I’m gonna make it a straightforward struggle.”