(Truly explosive is his penmanship, Joe. / Props: @twooodley)
As first reported by BloodyElbow, UFC welterweight contenders Tyron Woodley and Rory MacDonald will face off at UFC 174 (June 14th, Vancouver), in a bout that is expected to serve as the night’s co-main event. Both fighters are coming off high-profile victories — Woodley defeated Carlos Condit via injury-TKO at UFC 171, while MacDonald outpointed Demian Maia at UFC 170 — and the winner of their matchup could potentially find himself as the next welterweight title challenger, after Johny Hendricks returns from his surgery layoff.
Woodly has signed a new eight-fight contract with the UFC in advance of his fight against the Canadian Psycho. Here’s what T-Wood had to say about it in a statement released to BE:
You know, I think this is a great time for me as the future champion of the welterweight division. I’m showing my commitment with this new 8 fight contract I just signed and sent back to the UFC, as well as the commitment to fight this young whippersnapper in his own back yard.
It’s going to be on his turf, so I’ve got to go up there, and I’ve really got to whoop him. If there was ever any doubt, it should be resolved by me taking this fight. I want people to see that I’m the guy that doesn’t say no. I could’ve done what others would do and wait around on Johny to heal up, but that’s not me.
I feel it’s important for me to send the message that I’m here to fight anyone standing in my way. I’m here again in a Number 1 contender fight, and I plan to finish him so there’s really no doubt for the fans or any other welterweights out there.
An official main event for UFC 174 hasn’t been announced yet; we’ll update you when that changes.