Tyron Woodley is still seeking his red-panty night.
The UFC welterweight champion has two obvious contenders for his 170lbs belt but seems determined to make his next bout a career high pay-day.
After he defended his belt against Stephen Thompson at UFC 205 – the bout was called split decision – ‘The Chosen One’ revealed that his main motivation was that his children would never have to need for anything in life. Having come through a tough, straitened upbringing, Woodley is determined to provide and provide well for his kin.
It was no surprise, then, to see him looking for a December 30 fight with top challenger Demian Maia. ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson also has a decent claim for an immediate rematch but he might not be right to fight again until next February at the earliest.
Woodley is keeping his options open and has not been shy in courting a welterweight title defence against lightweight champion Conor McGregor. After UFC 205, Woodley told reporters:
“If he wants the fight, we can sign it right now. I’m good on the fight. I just don’t think it’s a good idea for him to fight me.”
John Kavanagh, McGregor’s coach, feels his man is certainly capable of taking Woodley out but ‘The Notorious’ is not expected back in the Octagon until next summer at the earliest. Still, that is not stopping Woodley and his attempts to provoke a response/fight.
In response to UK boxer Dereck Chisora throwing a table at Dillian Whyte, on Wednesday, Woodley mocked McGregor’s antics at the UFC 205 press conference.
This is what it looks like when u REALLY "Bout That LIFE" @ufc @danawhite @TheNotoriousMMA #JustSaying #ufc #ImHere #Waiting #DontHoldMeBack https://t.co/DnZXvtQBiU
— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) December 7, 2016
In reply to a comment saying those sort of pre-fight antics are “garbage”, Woodley stated: ‘That’s why I don’t “Act” like I’m going to throw anything.’
This is an area where Woodley took McGregor to task before. He criticised the Dubliner of putting up a front to the camera and doing nothing when confronted face-to-face.
At this stage, for Woodley, it seems like he will have to defend is belt one more time and get back to McGregor in the middle of next year. Thompson believes he will “definitely” fight Woodley next Spring. He told MMA Junkie Radio:
“We know it’s going to be us. We just don’t have a set date yet.”
“I haven’t spoken with Thompson,” was Woodley’s simple response to that claim.
Meanwhile, the only man to beat McGregor in the UFC appears content with the waiting game too.
Imma take 10 months off.. 💯💯💯
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) December 7, 2016
Take a ticket. Get in line.
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