After losing his UFC Title in March, Tyron Woodley's swift octagon return has now been halted as well according to ESPN's Brett Okamoto.
Initially booked to face fellow former champion Robbie Lawler in the main event of UFC Fight Night Minneapolis, Woodley has withdrawn from the fight and the promotion is now seeking a replacement.
BREAKING: Tyron Woodley has been forced to withdraw from his June 29 bout against Robbie Lawler due to injury, per sources. UFC looking for a replacement to keep Lawler on the card in Minneapolis. More info coming soon to @ESPN.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) May 17, 2019
Woodley first fought Lawler in July 2016, scoring an early knockout and taking the UFC Welterweight Title. 'The Chosen One' was an impressive champion, retaining his crown through four defenses until Kamaru Usman dethroned him at UFC 235.
UPDATE: in a more detailed report, Okamoto has now revealed that according to sources, Woodley has suffered a hand injury. He's expected to see a hand specialist next week.
The rematch with Lawler was scheduled for June 29th at the Target Center. Fights remaining on that card are as follows:
- Demian Maia (26-9) vs. Anthony Rocco Martin (16-4)
- Jussier Formiga (23-5) vs. Joseph Benavidez (27-5)
- Vinicius Moreira (9-2) vs. Roman Dolidze (6-0)
- Drew Dober (20-9, 1NC) vs. Marco Polo Reyes (8-5)
- Junior Albini (14-5) vs. Maurice Greene (7-2)
- Chas Skelly (17-4) vs. Jordan Griffin (17-6)
- Justin Ledet (9-2, 1NC) vs. Dalcha Lungiambula (9-1)
- Alonzo Menifield (8-0) vs. Paul Craig (11-3)
