Tyron Woodley isn’t retired from MMA. Let that sink in. The former UFC welterweight champion, who hasn’t stepped into the octagon since March 2021 after suffering a four-fight skid, is making it crystal clear that chapter was never closed. Forget what you heard, because Woodley is ready to prove everyone wrong, and he’s not just coming back for one thing.
The Combat Comeback Blueprint Is Wild
Woodley, rocking a 19-7-1 MMA record, just dropped the bomb to MMA Junkie Radio: “I never retired.” He didn’t formally announce anything, never put his gloves down, none of that. People just assumed. Now, get this: he’s open to an MMA return *this year*. Not only that, but he’s already boxed three times since 2021 and has two wrestling matches booked for RAF. Seriously, he might fight MMA, wrestle twice, *and* box all in the same year! He’s even talking about how his body being a “way to generate wealth is coming to an end,” so you know he’s trying to get it all in. Woodley believes in consistency, saying his body gets disciplined in camp, just like his title run where he fought four world title fights in a year. He’s open to any combat form, too, “minus bare knuckle.” You gotta respect that versatility.
The Wrestling Gauntlet Starts This Weekend
First up, Woodley faces Joaquin Buckley at RAF 12 on Saturday in Cleveland. Then, he’s got a mega-match against former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev at RAF Moscow on Sept. 5. While Chimaev is seen as the tougher test, especially with his grappling, Woodley isn’t taking Buckley lightly. He points out that in wrestling, you train for multiple opponents constantly. It’s not like you assume you’ll win the first match and look past someone. Fans are sleeping on Buckley because he doesn’t have Chimaev’s credentials and the Russia match is grabbing all the headlines, but Woodley’s ready for “strong, aggressive” wrestling from both.
So, get ready to see Tyron Woodley back in action this Saturday against Joaquin Buckley. He’s not just making a comeback, he’s making a statement that he never left. With a potential MMA return on the horizon and another big wrestling match in September, this is just the start of what could be a wild ride for the former champ.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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