Tyron Woodley makes case for immediate rematch with Kamaru Usman
Tyron Woodley is no longer the UFC welterweight champion. The Roufusport representative’s reign came to a shocking end in the co-main event of UFC 235 on Saturday night, when he was walloped to a lopsided decision loss by streaking challenger Kamaru Usman.
While this Tyron Woodley vs. Kamaru Usman fight was not particularly competitive, Woodley hopes that his previous accomplishments might earn him the opportunity. Many other former champions — Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Cody Garbrandt being recent examples — have been granted this kind of opportunity, and Woodley feels he deserves the same chance.
The former champ humbly asked for the opportunity at the UFC 235 post-fight press conference.
“We know what I’m capable of. I’d just love a rematch and run that back,” Woodley said (transcript via Bloody Elbow). “That was my fifth title defense. I feel like as a champion and what I’ve done in this organization that the performance (tonight) may not have vouched for a rematch, but I think my resumé does.”
While Tyron Woodley feels he deserves an immediate do-over with Kamaru Usman, he was careful not to discredit his foe’s performance. In fact, he was quite complimentary.
“I said it a long time ago. If I had to give him an attribute, it’s his composure for a fighter who hasn’t fought a long time,” Woodley stated. “He kept that composure, he stayed through the game plan, he took his time, he was patient. It just wasn’t a good night for me.”
Does an immediate rematch between Tyron Woodley and Kamaru Usman interest you, or would you prefer different bouts for these two welterweight stars?
This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 3/3/2019.
Topics:
Kamaru Usman Tyron Woodley UFC UFC 235
