Former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley has criticized the new breed of MMA fighters, stating that the MMA space has become ‘goofy’.
Tyron Woodley walked away from MMA in 2021 after losing his last four fights in the UFC. ‘The Chosen One’ then took his talents to the world of boxing, where he lost twice to Jake Paul.
The 42-year-old’s last win came against Darren Till in 2018 when he submitted the Brit in round two of their UFC 228 main event.
Tyron Woodley critical of the new breed of MMA fighters
Despite no longer being part of the space, Woodley has shared his criticism of the MMA world, stating that it has become ‘goofy’ because the fighters aren’t being themselves and are trying to copy their predecessors.
“To be quite honest, I feel like the space has gotten a little bit goofy.” Woodley claimed during an interview with Title Sports Network.
“Most of the fighters that are fighting now are kind of our offspring, they watched us and they’re doing what we did, thinking they’re going to get more notoriety, more money, and increase their brand, but we did what we did because that was us.” Woodley added.
Although the former champion was critical of the current crop of MMA fighters, he did offer some advice on what the fighters should be focussing on.
“I think they need to concentrate on individuality, figuring out what three or four things they do uniquely that people will actually want to watch and amplify those three columns.
“Not go and try and stream on Twitch or try and put a suit on or try to be a tough guy at a press conference just because somebody else did it. When it’s not authentic or not genuinely you people will recognize it.” Woodley stated.
Tyron Woodley reveals who he offered MMA fights to for his return
With Woodley weighing up his options for his next fight, the 42-year-old revealed that he did offer former opponent, Darren Till ‘a big bag’ for a boxing fight in the Middle East.
Till, who has left the UFC recently, has been booked for his boxing debut on the undercard of Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson, taking on Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
“I like Darren Till, I offered him a big bag to fight in the Middle East and he didn’t know what he wanted to do at that time, so I told him don’t sign the contract.” Woodley revealed.
‘The Chosen One’ also revealed that he is planning a comeback to MMA, and has blamed the ‘whack’ UFC APEX for his career downfall.
“You know what, I actually plan on doing MMA (again). A lot of fans want to see me fight MMA again and just to be honest, when I was fighting my last couple of MMA fights it was just kind of like a simulation.
“The whole APEX arena deal is kind of whack, it’s like a sparring session, I don’t let people come to watch me spar, I don’t like it being in an awkward room, the cage is super small and I just wasn’t motivated to be in a fight at that time.” he added.
Although a boxing fight against Darren Till didn’t come to fruition, Woodley is planning on fighting in MMA in the Middle East, on his own promotion, The Realest International Promotion.
“I’m planning for a big MMA fight, possibly in the Middle East. I offered some big names some big bags. Georges St-Pierre, he said ‘Tyron I appreciate the offer but I’m done with the sport’ and I can’t blame him.
“I asked Nick Diaz about taking a fight, he liked the comment and what I sent him, but someone of that caliber.” Woodley finished.