Ex-UFC star Tyron Woodley plans MMA return, blames Apex for losing skid: ‘It was just like a simulation’

Tyron Woodley plans return to MMA blames losing run on Apex it felt like a simulationFormer undisputed UFC welterweight champion, Tyron Woodley has confirmed he is planning a return to mixed martial arts competition…

Tyron Woodley plans return to MMA blames losing run on Apex it felt like a simulation

Former undisputed UFC welterweight champion, Tyron Woodley has confirmed he is planning a return to mixed martial arts competition following his brief stint in professional boxing, and blames his losing streak before his Octagon departure on a lack of atmosphere whilst fighting at the promotion’s Apex facility.

Woodley, a former dominant undisputed welterweight champion under the banner of the UFC, has been sidelined from mixed martial arts since dropping a Brabo choke loss to Vicente Luque back in 2021, fighting out his contract with the organization in the process.

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The defeat came as St. Louis native, Woodley’s fourth consecutively, following a string of defeats to former champion, Kamaru Usman, as well as Gilbert Burns and former interim gold holder, Colby Covington. 

Tyron Woodley Kickboxing
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

Making a brief switch to professional boxing in the time since, Woodley first went the distance with the outspoken, Jake Paul, before dropping a devastating knockout loss to the social media star in a short-notice immediate rematch.

Tyron Woodley confirms plan for MMA comeback

And confirming plans to make good on a comeback to mixed martial arts, Woodley revealed he wants to return in an event in the Middle East, after citing a “simulation”-like feel to his trio of bouts in the UFC Apex facility.

Tyron Woodley, Kickboxing
Mandatory Credit: Getty Images

“To be honest, when I was fighting my last couple MMA fights it was just kind of like a simulation,” Tyron Woodley told Title Sports Network. “The whole Apex arena deal is kind of wack. It’s like a sparring session, I don’t let people come watch me spar. I don’t like it, being in a weird awkward room. The cage was super small, and I just really wasn’t motivated to be in a fight, especially at the time.”

“Those fights to me are like exhibition fights,” Tyron Woodley explained. “I do think the fans deserve to see me go out there, see me run through somebody, see the Tyron Woodley that they know I’m capable of being and put a proper close to my MMA career. So I’m planning for a big, big MMA fight – possibly in the Middle East.”

Who would you like to see Tyron Woodley fight in his return to MMA?

Poirier Abducted By Bud Light Genie

More like Bud Light Weenie amirite?!? Bud Light is back inside the Octagon.
But the beloved party animal Spuds MacKenzie has long been retired, replaced by Dylan Mulvaney the “Bud Light Genie” — who is just some creepy millennia…



More like Bud Light Weenie amirite?!?

Bud Light is back inside the Octagon.

But the beloved party animal Spuds MacKenzie has long been retired, replaced by Dylan Mulvaney the “Bud Light Genie” — who is just some creepy millennial with a porn mustache and the power to abduct celebrities.

This week’s victim is UFC lightweight contender Dustin Poirier.

“The Diamond” appeared in the beer brand’s latest commercial just a few weeks in front of his Islam Makhachev title fight, locked and loaded for the UFC 302 pay-per-view (PPV) main event on Sat., June 1, 2024 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Fans can win a weekend trip to UFC 302 by signing up here.

“I’m stoked to have Bud Light back in my corner so we can give one lucky fan a once-in-a-lifetime UFC experience,” Poirier said. “With incredible front row seats alongside the Bud Light Genie and epic access before and after the fight, we’re making it easy to enjoy UFC 302 all weekend long.”

For the entire UFC 302 fight card and PPV lineup click here.

Jon Jones warned against title fight with Stipe Miocic at UFC 309: ‘He is a killer, and he will put you out’

Jon Jones warned about title fight with Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 he is a killer and he will put you outJon Jones has leaked he is set to fight Stipe Miocic in November at UFC 309, however, former foe,…

Jon Jones warned about title fight with Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 he is a killer and he will put you out

Jon Jones has leaked he is set to fight Stipe Miocic in November at UFC 309, however, former foe, Daniel Cormier – has claimed if Jones is overlooking his soon-to-be common-foe, he might be in store for a massive upset knockout defeat.

Jones, a current heavyweight champion and prior two-time gold holder at the light heavyweight limit, has been sidelined since he headlined UFC 285 back in March, landing the vacant heavyweight crown with a dominant first round guillotine choke win over Ciryl Gane.

Jon Jones hits out at loser YouTuber who questioned UFC star's sexuality in bizarre video
Mandatory Credit: Patrick T. Fallon – AFP

As for Miocic, the Ohio native, who himself has twice held spoils at the heavyweight limit, has been out of action since 2021, dropping a second round knockout loss to promotional veteran, Francis Ngannou in the pair’s championship rematch.

Jon Jones warned about underestimating Stipe Miocic

And revealing on social media last week how he is all but signed to return at UFC 309 in November at Madison Square Garden, Rochester native, Jones has been warned to do everything but overlook Miocic, by former opponent, Cormier.

Police say Jon Jones claimed drug testing agent fabricated a story amid use of expletive language

“He (Jon Jones) said Stipe (Miocic) is old – sounds like Jon Jones is wanting to fight the highest grossing fight with the least amount of risk,” Daniel Cormier said on his YouTube channel. “But I will warn you this, don’t overlook Stipe Miocic. He is a f*cking killer, and if you overlook him, he will you out.” 

As well as Jones’ expected title tangle with Miocic at the end of this annum, the division’s interim title – currently held by British favorite, Tom Aspinall, is up for grabs at UFC 304 in July, as he takes on perennial contender, Curtis Blaydes in the pair’s title rematch in Manchester – a pairing which Jones openly mocked.

Stipe Miocic

Who wins in a UFC 309 title fight: Jon Jones or Stipe Miocic?

Conor McGregor negotiating new contract ahead of UFC 303 fight return: ‘Let’s see what happens’

Conor McGregor confirms negotiations for new UFC contract ahead of return let's see what happensFormer two-division champion, Conor McGregor has confirmed he is currently negotiating a new contract ahead of his return to…

Conor McGregor confirms negotiations for new UFC contract ahead of return let's see what happens

Former two-division champion, Conor McGregor has confirmed he is currently negotiating a new contract ahead of his return to the Octagon against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 next month, confirming he retains just two fights on his current deal.

McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight titleholder, has been sidelined for almost three-years, fracturing his left tibia and fibula in a first round doctor’s stoppage TKO loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.

Conor McGregor backed to fight for 165lbs title at UFC 303 against Michael Chandler
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

And slated to return during International Fight Week at the end of next month, Dublin striker, McGregor headlines in his return to the welterweight limit, taking on former lightweight title chaser, Chandler.

Finally booking his comeback, McGregor retains just two fights on his current deal with the Dana White-led promotion, however, has been heavily linked with a move to both professional boxing, in the form of lucrative pairings in an almost-residency in Saudi Arabia.

challenges Conor McGregor
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Conor McGregor talks new UFC contract talks

However, overnight, McGregor confirmed he is currently negotiating a new contract with the UFC ahead of his return next month.

“I have two fights left on my UFC contract,” Conor McGregor said during a Duelbits live stream. “We’re currently in negotiation stage with the UFC. Let’s see what happens. Let’s see what takes place.”

Laying out his plans beyond his UFC 303 fight with Chandler, McGregor still insists he wants to face-off with an opponent in a historic Las Vegas Sphere card in September.

3 most anticipated fights of 2024

“June 29., September 5. – Mexican Independence Day – and then December,” Conor McGregor explained. “Three bouts this year. Now, I’ll say this, God willing, because life has shown me sometimes different – with injuries and madness takes place. Please God, three bouts. June 29., September 5., and then something tasty in December, end of year.” 

In terms of a potential end-of-year comeback, McGregor received an offer overnight to boot from incumbent welterweight champion, Leon Edwards, with the Birmingham native suggesting the pair square off in an historic championship fight at Madison Square Garden this annum. 

Do you think Conor McGregor re-ups with the UFC this year?

Robert Whittaker promises ‘Early night’ for Khamzat Chimaev at UFC Saudi Arabia if he fails to ‘Pace’ himself

Robert Whittaker promises early night for Khamzat Chimaev if he doesn't pace himself at UFC Saudi ArabiaSlated to headline the promotion’s first-ever event in Riyadh, incoming UFC Fight Night Saudi Arabia feature, Robert Whittaker has…

Robert Whittaker promises early night for Khamzat Chimaev if he doesn't pace himself at UFC Saudi Arabia

Slated to headline the promotion’s first-ever event in Riyadh, incoming UFC Fight Night Saudi Arabia feature, Robert Whittaker has urged unbeaten force, Khamzat Chimaev to “pace” himself for his first five round clash since landing in the organization, or he will face an “early night”.

Whittaker, the current number three ranked middleweight contender, has been sidelined since he featured at UFC 298 back in February in a main card clash against former title chaser, Paulo Costa, landing a decision win over the Brazilian.

Robert Whittakers warns Khamzat Chimaev pre-Saudi Arabia fight I've an arsenal of skills he's not ready for

As for Chimaev, the Chechen-born contender has been sidelined since October of last year, where he moved to 13-0 with a controversial majority decision win over former welterweight champion and prior pound-for-pound pacesetter, Kamaru Usman.

Robert Whittaker vows to send Khamzat Chimaev for an early night

And drawing Whittaker next month at UFC Saudi Arabia, Chimaev sent a warning of a finish to the former champion ahead of their title-eliminator, however, has received his own promise of an early night if he blows his wad too early.

Robert Whittaker admits shock at booking Khamzat Chimaev fight it came out of nowhere UFC Saudi Arabia
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

“Yeah, it’s a five round fight, so I’m sure his (Khamzat Chimaev) pacing gotta be a little different, otherwise it’s gonna be an early night for him,” Robert Whittaker told Fox Sports.

“It’s something to be aware of,” Robert Whittaker said of Khamzat Chimaev’s striking. “He’s got power, he’s got a very clean one-two down the pipe. I have taken it, like – I’m aware of it – definitely not, I’m not underestimating it, but I can handle it. And I do think I have the striking superiority. 

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Hoping to earn a rematch with newly-minted champion, Dricus du Plessis with a victory against Chimaev in the Middle East, Whittaker faced the South African back in July of last year during International Fight Week, dropping an upset second round TKO loss.

Who wins next month in Riyadh: Robert Whittaker or Khamzat Chimaev?

UFC’s Conor McGregor Blasts Leon Edwards and ‘Another F–king Decision Guy’ Belal

Conor McGregor isn’t a fan of fighters who take things to the cards. The UFC star blasted Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad during a recent live stream, calling…

Conor McGregor isn’t a fan of fighters who take things to the cards. The UFC star blasted Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad during a recent live stream, calling…