Tyron Woodley Passes on Stephen Thompson, Wants Nick Diaz at UFC 202
Newly crowned UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley is out here calling for big money fights. Too bad for No. 1 contender Stephen Thompson because he apparently isn’t one of them.
Woodley spoke directly to Thompson on the Fox Sports 1 post-fight show following UFC 201. In a moment when Thompson appeared to expect Woodley to give him a “let’s do this” answer when asked about accepting a challenge to fight in November, the new champ pulled a wild card. Woodley said he would rather fight Nick Diaz, and he wants the fight in three weeks at UFC 202.
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“I think Nick Diaz comes off of suspension in two days. He’s a money fight,” Woodley said. “I’ve been here for a while. I want to make the big doe. So if he wants to fight in August with his brother, Nate Diaz, I think me and him can showdown at the event. I’m uninjured. I’m ready to go. UFC 202, let’s make the money.”
Woodley starched Robbie Lawler in the first round at UFC 201, knocking him out with strikes in just 2:12. Thompson is widely regarded as the next in line for the 170-pound title, and most expected him to get the next nod. But as we’ve learned in this business, rankings don’t always guarantee title shots.
UFC President Dana White said on the FS1 post-fight show that he likes Woodley’s attitude about wanting a quick turnaround fight.
“I like that he wants to fight again, so we’ll try to figure that out,” White said.
Diaz last fought in January 2015 and is near the end of a suspension for a positive test for marijuana. He will be allowed to fight as early as next month.
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