UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley defended his belt against the No. 1 contender Stephen Thompson back on November 12th at UFC 205 and the two fighters had a great fight. It was a back and forth affair. However, the judges couldn’t pick a winner, and it was ruled a majority draw. Following the fight, UFC
UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley defended his belt against the No. 1 contender Stephen Thompson back on November 12th at UFC 205 and the two fighters had a great fight. It was a back and forth affair. However, the judges couldn’t pick a winner, and it was ruled a majority draw. Following the fight, UFC President Dana White stated that a rematch between the two fighters seemed likely.
Now, negations for a rematch is ongoing, and it’s been reported that the UFC wants to book the rematch at the upcoming UFC 209 event. There is one problem, and that’s Woodley, who has been actively campaigning for other fights besides a Thompson rematch. He stated that he would like to fight former Strikeforce champion Nick Diaz, UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor, and most recently, UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping. As a response, Thompson recently called the champion out on Twitter, revealing that the UFC offered him a fight contract with Woodley on Dec. 20 and that he signed his contract but is waiting on Woodley to make the fight official by signing his own contract.
@WonderboyMMA Im tellin u ur lucky it was a draw. The controversy was weather u lost, draw, or they should have stopped it yet ur "Entitled" 2 a rematch????
@bjpenndotcom@WonderboyMMA How? Going to learn 20yrs of wrestling in a camp, gain a brown belt in BJJ, & gain explosiveness that took a lifetime? Plus I outstruck him????
After months of speculation, Tyron Woodley’s first title defense was confirmed for UFC 205. Taking on Stephen Thompson in co-main event, plenty of attention and pressure was on the champion to perform. The pay-per-view card was the first to be held in New York since UFC 7 in 1995. Although not the debut for the promotion
After months of speculation, Tyron Woodley’s first title defense was confirmed for UFC 205. Taking on Stephen Thompson in co-main event, plenty of attention and pressure was on the champion to perform. The pay-per-view card was the first to be held in New York since UFC 7 in 1995. Although not the debut for the promotion in the state, it was their first time in New York City. Following criticisms from fans over allegedly ‘ducking’ Thompson, Woodley put on a great showing in the co-main event. The card was a complete success, and up there in the major talking points was Woodley & Thompson’s thrilling battle.
Eventually there was no clear winner between the champion and challenger, and the bout was scored a draw. Both men were quick to discuss a rematch after the fact, and UFC president Dana White was keen on the idea. Since that time, though, a lot has happened. ‘The Chosen One’ has talked about fighting Conor McGregor, Nick Diaz, and has even agreed to fight Michael Bisping.
Mandatory credit: Adam Hunger USA Today Sports
Change of Heart
Although Dana White essentially confirmed the rematch, and Woodley vs. Thompson 2 was looking almost certain, ‘The Chosen One’ is not so sure. Discussing his potential next opponent with MMAJunkie.com, the current champion says ‘Wonderboy’s’ victory at UFC 205 was not the question:
“If you notice, ‘Wonderboy’ is arguing for a rematch because people weren’t 100 percent decisive on whether I won or it was a draw,” Woodley said. “It’s never been a question of whether or not he won. The only question was, was it a draw or did I win? So with those details, how the hell do you feel obligated and entitled to a rematch?”
“I’m not running from the guy,” he said. “He’s a tough fighter.”
Mandatory credit: Adam Hunger USA Today Sports
Conor, Nick or Maia
“All these fights are important to me and my career. It just when I take these fights and what time. It has to make sense for me on when I take these fights. I will fight all these guys. But it might make sense for me to fight Michael Bisping before I fight ‘Wonderboy.’ It might make sense for me to fight (Nick) Diaz at UFC 209 instead of Demian Maia. It’s just a scheduling and timing deal.”
Although Woodley says he’s willing to fight Bisping, it’s debatable as to how marketable this bout is compared to McGregor, Diaz or perhaps even Thompson. Money fights are the craze right now, so where does Tyron Woodley’s potential next opponent fit in?
If there’s one thing Tyron Woodley wants you to know, it’s that he wants big money fights. Since winning the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) title, Woodley has called out Georges St. Pierre and Nick Diaz. He was reluctant in defending his title against Stephen Thompson, but he did so at UFC 205.
“The Chosen One” and “Wonderboy” fought to a majority draw.
One fighter left out of the loop entirely has been Demian Maia. The Brazilian is riding a six-fight winning streak with three of those victories coming by submission. Maia recently vented his frustration with the UFC for not offering him a title shot.
Woodley recently appeared on MMAJunkie Radio, where he acknowledged Maia’s recent comments. While “The Chosen One” said he isn’t backing down, he believes it’s smarter for him to face other fighters first:
“I’m not running from the guy. He’s a tough fighter. All these fights are important to me and my career. It just when I take these fights and what time. It has to make sense for me on when I take these fights. I will fight all these guys. But it might make sense for me to fight Michael Bisping before I fight ‘Wonderboy.’ It might make sense for me to fight (Nick) Diaz at UFC 209 instead of Demian Maia. It’s just a scheduling and timing deal.”
Some fans believe that many welterweights, including the champion, are ducking Maia. Woodley feels those fans don’t understand the match-up.
“It’s not easy to take me down, so I don’t know how Demian is going to employ his world-class jiu-jitsu if he can’t take me down.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhaRDeyngow
If there’s one thing Tyron Woodley wants you to know, it’s that he wants big money fights. Since winning the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) title, Woodley has called out Georges St. Pierre and Nick Diaz. He was reluctant in defending his title against Stephen Thompson, but he did so at UFC 205.
“The Chosen One” and “Wonderboy” fought to a majority draw.
One fighter left out of the loop entirely has been Demian Maia. The Brazilian is riding a six-fight winning streak with three of those victories coming by submission. Maia recently vented his frustration with the UFC for not offering him a title shot.
Woodley recently appeared on MMAJunkie Radio, where he acknowledged Maia’s recent comments. While “The Chosen One” said he isn’t backing down, he believes it’s smarter for him to face other fighters first:
“I’m not running from the guy. He’s a tough fighter. All these fights are important to me and my career. It just when I take these fights and what time. It has to make sense for me on when I take these fights. I will fight all these guys. But it might make sense for me to fight Michael Bisping before I fight ‘Wonderboy.’ It might make sense for me to fight (Nick) Diaz at UFC 209 instead of Demian Maia. It’s just a scheduling and timing deal.”
Some fans believe that many welterweights, including the champion, are ducking Maia. Woodley feels those fans don’t understand the match-up.
“It’s not easy to take me down, so I don’t know how Demian is going to employ his world-class jiu-jitsu if he can’t take me down.”
Las Vegas’ UFC 209 pay-per-view (PPV) could be getting a whole lot bigger. According to MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani, the UFC are closing in on inking two massive bouts to the PPV card in March. Helwani reports that bouts between top lightweights Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson, as well as a welterweight title rematch between
Las Vegas’ UFC 209 pay-per-view (PPV) could be getting a whole lot bigger.
According to MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani, the UFC are closing in on inking two massive bouts to the PPV card in March. Helwani reports that bouts between top lightweights Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson, as well as a welterweight title rematch between Tyron Woodley and Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson are on the promotion’s radar:
The plan has always been Khabib/Ferguson and Woodley/Wonderboy 2 at 209. Still the plan. Both not quite 100% yet but that's what they want. https://t.co/1QZsNaZYje
Woodley and Thompson initially met in the co-main event of UFC 205 from the Madison Square Garden Arena in New York City, in which the Fight Of The Night ended in a majority draw decision being read from the judges’ scorecards. Immediately after the contest talks of a rematch began to hit wind, and it seems that’s exactly what’s going to happen.
Nurmagomedov is the most dominant lightweight in the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) today, as he is currently undefeated in his fighting career with a staggering record of 24-0. Ferguson is currently on a record nine-fight win streak in the UFC’s 155-pound division, and is looking to propel himself into a title shot with a win over ‘The Eagle’.
Ali Abdelaziz, Nurmagomedov’s manager, took to Twitter to post a rather cryptic message to fight fans, posting a plethora of Russian flags along with a few smiley faces:
The chickens are in reference to Nurmagomedov’s post-fight interview from UFC 205, in which he called UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor a chicken for not having fought him yet:
“I want to fight with your (the UFC’s) chicken because this is the number one easy fight in lightweight division.”
A photo posted by Khabib Nurmagomedov (@khabib_nurmagomedov) on
McGregor’s head-coach, John Kavanagh, interestingly enough posted a picture of ‘The Notorious One’ getting some work done in the gym, despite the fact that the Irish champ stated he wanted to take some time off before returning to Octagon action to enjoy the birth of his first child:
The UFC had a banner year in 2016. Zuffa sold the sports franchise to WME-IMG for a mind-boggling $4 billion. There were several marquee events that brought in massive revenue, including UFC 200, UFC 202, and the promotion’s first foray into Madison Square Garden at UFC 205. Conor McGregor became the first-ever simultaneous two-division UFC
The UFC had a banner year in 2016. Zuffa sold the sports franchise to WME-IMG for a mind-boggling $4 billion. There were several marquee events that brought in massive revenue, including UFC 200, UFC 202, and the promotion’s first foray into Madison Square Garden at UFC 205. Conor McGregor became the first-ever simultaneous two-division UFC champion and his star rose higher than ever, taking the UFC with it.
But 2017 isn’t looking as rosy for the world’s premiere mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion. A slew of issues confront the new owners. These problems could conspire to deny fans the number of marquee events, historic moments, and highly-anticipated fights they enjoyed this past year. Let’s examine the reasons 2017 might not live up to the lofty expectations set by a thrilling 2016.
Photo by Mark J. Rebilas for USA TODAY Sports
1. Lack Of Superstars
The new owners at William Morris Endeavor have to be sweating that $175 million bonus they were looking forward to, and a lack of available superstars heading into 2017 is the primary culprit.
Following UFC 205 this past November, the company’s brightest star, Conor McGregor, announced he would be taking time off for the birth of his first child. It was later announced that he could be out for 10 months, putting his return in the fall of 2017. If that projection holds true, McGregor is likely to fight only once this year.
Ronda Rousey, the promotion’s second-best (or maybe best) draw and its most popular crossover star, may never fight again. She took 13 months off following her first loss to Holly Holm in November 2015 and just suffered a second setback to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207. The UFC would likely be ecstatic if she fought even once this year. This is a steep decline after the two combined to fight four times, headlining four huge money-making events in 2016.
Other potential stars who might help fill the void are also out of action. Brock Lesnar, perhaps the biggest draw before the McGregor-Rousey tandem came along, just got hit with a one-year ban. His fighting future is very much in doubt. The same is true of Jon Jones. While he is expected to return to active competition following his suspension, does anyone really trust Jones to stay out of trouble and fight consistently anymore?
Jones’s former teammate Georges St-Pierre is a reliable draw, but he cannot seem to come to terms with the UFC for a comeback fight. He also doesn’t need to fight, and his relationship with UFC brass is further complicated by his involvement with the MMAAA.
The UFC also has to be desperate for big-money fights. This might lead them to choose an ill-advised and short-sighted strategy for producing them. Does that sound familiar?
By now, you’re probably aware that Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) title holders Tyron Woodley (welterweight) and Michael Bisping (middleweight) agreed to fight each other at a catchweight backstage at UFC 207. Nothing official has been made, but the trash talk is coming in droves.
“I would knock Bisping out. I didn’t even think about it until he started running his mouth in the back. I’m like damn, does he really understand that I would whoop his ass? This is not a good fight for him. This is a horrible fight for him. But if he wants to do it, I’ll gladly take your belt.”
Woodley may be a welterweight, but he isn’t concerned with giving up power or size if he moves up to fight “The Count.” The 170-pound champ said no matter the weight, he’s got a strength advantage over Bisping and is better than him at two important aspects in mixed martial arts (MMA).
“When you think about it, usually when someone goes up in weight class they give up size, they give up power, they give up speed — I give up nothing. I’m very similar to him in weight. I’m stronger than him. I punch harder than him. I’m faster than him. I’m a better wrestler than him. I’m a better grappler than him. I’m a better boxer than him. So I’m really giving up no advantage and I can go and take his belt so I’m down.”
Bisping clearly has a different take on things. He claimed he would “beat the f**k out of Woodley.” If these two clash, it would put the number one contenders at 170 and 185 on hold.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmHmpGhV0rY&t=70s
By now, you’re probably aware that Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) title holders Tyron Woodley (welterweight) and Michael Bisping (middleweight) agreed to fight each other at a catchweight backstage at UFC 207. Nothing official has been made, but the trash talk is coming in droves.
“I would knock Bisping out. I didn’t even think about it until he started running his mouth in the back. I’m like damn, does he really understand that I would whoop his ass? This is not a good fight for him. This is a horrible fight for him. But if he wants to do it, I’ll gladly take your belt.”
Woodley may be a welterweight, but he isn’t concerned with giving up power or size if he moves up to fight “The Count.” The 170-pound champ said no matter the weight, he’s got a strength advantage over Bisping and is better than him at two important aspects in mixed martial arts (MMA).
“When you think about it, usually when someone goes up in weight class they give up size, they give up power, they give up speed — I give up nothing. I’m very similar to him in weight. I’m stronger than him. I punch harder than him. I’m faster than him. I’m a better wrestler than him. I’m a better grappler than him. I’m a better boxer than him. So I’m really giving up no advantage and I can go and take his belt so I’m down.”
Bisping clearly has a different take on things. He claimed he would “beat the f**k out of Woodley.” If these two clash, it would put the number one contenders at 170 and 185 on hold.
