Tyron Woodley flat out rejected a potential wrestling rematch with Colby Covington, but if he thought that was the end of it, he clearly doesn’t know “America’s Champ” very well. Covington isn’t about to lose a single minute of sleep over Woodley’s dismissal, but that doesn’t mean he’s letting it slide without a response that’s got to sting. These two fought in the UFC years ago, and now that Woodley has debuted in Real American Freestyle (RAF), the wrestling promotion where Covington is currently champion, a rematch seemed like a no-brainer to many, including Colby himself. Woodley was asked about running it back on the mats, and he just shut it down. Big mistake.
“Delusional, So Dumb,” Says Champ Who Doesn’t Forget
You think Colby’s gonna be quiet after a snub like that? Nah, man. “If I were him, I wouldn’t want to revisit the past either,” Covington told MMA Junkie, throwing immediate shade. He didn’t stop there. Colby pulled out the receipts from their UFC fight, reminding everyone how he left Woodley on a stretcher. “Bro, you’re going out on a stretcher, man. You’re all talk,” he recalled telling Woodley. Ouch. Covington didn’t mince words, calling Woodley “the most delusional man in the existence of MMA and like fighting.” He straight up said, “That guy is so delusional, so dumb.” He finished his business with Woodley, he snapped his spirit and broke a rib. “Promises made, promises kept. I’m a man of my word. He’s not a man of his word. He’s all talk, but it’s all good, man. I don’t need Tyron Woodley.” When Covington talks, he brings the heat, and Woodley just got torched.
Covington’s Got a List of Challengers, Woodley Isn’t Needed
Sure, Woodley versus Covington would be a massive matchup for RAF, and Colby knows it. But he also made it clear that he’s not sweating Woodley’s comments because he’s got “tons of other guys on the list” chomping at the bit for a shot. That’s the beauty of being the champ, right? Everyone wants a piece of the belt. Covington name-dropped Justin Gaethje, noting he’s a “great All-American wrestler” who might want to challenge “America’s champ.” Usman could be coming over once he heals up from his last beating. Gilbert Burns is an “interesting guy” too, with a “longstanding little rivalry” between them from Brazil versus America. Even Sean Brady is “in the mix potentially” if he gets a win. The message is crystal clear: Woodley’s out here dismissing rematches, but Colby Covington’s got a whole queue of legit contenders ready to step up.
First Title Defense Set: Belal Muhammad on Deck
So, while Woodley might be ducking, Colby Covington is focused on what’s next. He’s the inaugural RAF Cruiserweight Crossover Champion, snagging the belt with a points win over Arman Tsarukyan back in July. He’s undefeated in RAF at 4-0, and now he’s gearing up for his first title defense against Belal Muhammad on September 19. That’s going down in Miami as the main event of RAF 13. Colby’s about defending that title and putting on the “biggest and best matchups.” If Woodley eventually decides he wants to stop making “small paychecks” and step up against “a star and the face of the company,” Colby says he’s still willing to “entertain it.” But for now, Covington’s eyes are on Belal Muhammad. Don’t miss that one!
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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