Tyron Woodley could make his long-anticipated return to the UFC octagon later this month.
The UFC is getting back up and running in the month of May, with three full cards announced — and a fourth in the works. That fourth card, which is yet to have a name or location attached, could have Tyron Woodley headlining it, however.
Both Woodley and Dana White confirmed the news Friday with ESPN, though no official announcement has been made.
Speaking to ESPN, the UFC President said that “we’re working on a fight with [Tyron Woodley] right now.” He did not name a potential opponent.
“After these three dates, we’re coming right back,” said White. “We’re going to do four fights in 14 days. After May 9, the UFC schedule is back on. We’re back on and running. We’re looking at a fight for Woodley. Woodley will probably be the fourth fight. He’ll be the main event.”
While White has been known to negotiate via the media at times, in this case, Woodley appears to be onboard. EPSN’s Ariel Helwani later stated that the former UFC welterweight champion had confirmed his interest in a May 23 main event again Brazilian Gilbert Burns.
Spoke to Tyron Woodley today. He said he’s leaning towards accepting a main event fight against Gilbert Burns on May 23. Fight isn’t signed yet but it’s looking good at the moment, he said. “I waited as long I could for Colby,” he said. “But he doesn’t want it, so I’m moving on.”
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) May 1, 2020
Tyron Woodley himself would later reply to Helwani’s tweet, adding in a dig against Colby Covington. “Sad how terrified @colbyCovmma is of me and thinks he deserves a rematch after he got stopped. We in the same boat. I understand why my mentees @USMAN84kg and @colbycovmma don’t want fight me with a clear head. I wouldn’t want to fight me Rn either.”
Woodley (19-4-1) has not fought since losing his 170lb title to Kamaru Usman in March of 2019 at UFC 235. He had held the belt since 2016, when he defeated Robbie Lawler to claim the title.
