Tyron Woodley, former UFC Welterweight champion, is gearing up for a return to mixed martial arts after more than three years away from the cage. Woodley’s MMA comeback follows a two-fight boxing stint against YouTube sensation Jake Paul, where he faced two tough losses, including a knockout in their rematch. Now, he’s ready to refocus on the sport that made him a champion.
In an interview with Forbes, Woodley clarified that despite stepping out of the spotlight, he never truly retired. “I’m working on a comeback, not that I ever left, but a lot of people thought I had retired from fighting,” he shared. “In 2021, after I fought those two fights against Jake [Paul], I just really took the next years to travel and go to concerts…I took myself off the grid.” After 30 years of intense training and competition from a young age, Woodley explained that this was his first true break.
In 2023, Woodley was ready to re-enter combat sports, with talks of matchups against big names like Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, and KSI. But while Woodley showed interest, none of these bouts materialized. “There was a lot of cap. A lot of people say they wanted to fight…One was down to a contract, but none of them went through,” Woodley revealed. Now, with a renewed focus, he’s dedicated to training, ready to get back in fighting shape, and prepared for what he calls “more destruction.”
While details on his MMA return date and opponent remain under wraps, Woodley’s comeback promises to be a highly anticipated chapter in the storied fighter’s career. Fans can look forward to seeing if “The Chosen One” can reclaim his position in MMA and reignite the fire that once made him one of the most feared fighters in the welterweight division.
