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Gilbert Burns is disappointed in former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley.
Prior to his stint as the UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley had a notable run. “The Chosen One” was particularly notorious for his knockout power, a weapon he used against Robbie Lawler to win the 170-pound title.
Save for his submission win over Darren Till in 2018, Woodley had less dominating performances against Stephen Thompson and Demian Maia before his loss to Kamaru Usman in 2019. Through his stardom as champion came other opportunities like his own segment in TMZ, as well as a budding showbiz career.
Because of these extracurricular activities, other top contenders in his division like Gilbert Burns are now disappointed at Woodley.
“The guy used to be a beast, he looked scary, but who’s that guy?” Burns told MMA Junkie. “He doesn’t look like that anymore. Last time we saw him in the octagon, he didn’t look like that. He looks bad. Even his corner was like, ‘Bite that mouthpiece and move forward,’ and he was still waiting for Usman; he was just broke.
“And that’s Tyron Woodley right now. He has so much distraction in his life right now with TMZ, rapping, acting, the whole thing. I think he’s just surrounded himself with egos and famous people. He’s changed, I believe he’s not the same anymore.”
Burns was fresh off a win against Demian Maia at UFC Brasilia, and was willing to make a quick turnaround to fight Woodley a week later at the supposed event in London. The card ended up being canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.