Tyron Woodley, a two-time All-American wrestler and former UFC welterweight champion, has made a significant impact in the world of mixed martial arts. After a notable debut at RAF 12, where he secured a victory against Joaquin Buckley in an exciting match, Woodley is now set to face Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of the inaugural RAF event in Moscow.
Woodley's decision to join the roster at RAF reflects his desire for competitive challenges, but he has no interest in revisiting his past rivalry with Colby Covington. The two fighters have a history marked by animosity during their time in the UFC, but Woodley has moved on from that chapter of his career. He recently expressed his thoughts on this matter in an interview with MMA Fighting.
“They love Colby,” Woodley stated, emphasizing that a match with Covington would serve the promotion better than it would him. He pointed out Covington's efforts to promote his brand, including a venture into Real American Beer, and questioned the effectiveness of his appeal, noting Covington's relatively low social media following.
In discussing their wrestling backgrounds, Woodley acknowledged Covington's accomplishments, including his All-American honors at Oregon State. However, Woodley believes that his own wrestling skills surpass those of Covington. He reflected on their early days in the sport, recalling how he supported Covington financially during training camps, and asserted that Covington never posed a significant challenge in their training sessions.
“Colby never wanted to compete against me when I was in my prime,” Woodley remarked, suggesting that Covington waited until he was on a losing streak to face him. This sentiment highlights Woodley's focus on the future rather than dwelling on past rivalries.
As he prepares for his upcoming match against Chimaev, Woodley is eager to face top-tier opponents. He expressed a desire to compete against elite wrestlers, naming Olympic gold medalist Jordan Burroughs as a potential matchup that excites him. Woodley believes that taking on formidable opponents is essential for his career progression.
“If you’re going to go big, why not go big?” Woodley said, indicating his ambition to challenge himself against the best. He also mentioned his respect for fighters like Arman Tsarukyan, recognizing their dedication to the sport despite their backgrounds.
Woodley understands that his reputation and accomplishments in wrestling still hold weight in the MMA community. He views his upcoming fight with Chimaev as a significant opportunity, not just for himself but also for Chimaev, who would gain considerable recognition by defeating a fighter with Woodley’s credentials.
“I feel like a lot of people don’t recognize that him beating me is a massive win for him,” Woodley said, emphasizing the importance of this matchup. With a storied history in wrestling and MMA, Woodley is determined to make the most of his time in the ring as he looks ahead to new challenges.
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