After withdrawing from his scheduled rematch with Robbie Lawler, Tyron Woodley has now detailed his decision.
Originally set to headline UFC Fight Night Minneapolis on June 29th, Woodley was forced to pull out of the fight yesterday. It was soon reported as a hand injury and just a few hours later, Woodley broadcast live on Instagram, explaining his issue in greater detail.
“A lot of questions about my hand and me not fighting June 29th,” he said. “I don’t know if they’re going to reschedule me and Robbie for a different date, or if they’re going to actually get him a new opponent, but I gotta protect my hand. That’s where I make my money with. I have to be confident throwing my moneymaker: my right hand. I toughed it through the last fight guys, a lot of f**king tape, a lot of avoidance. This time around I’ve got to be honest with myself,” Woodley admitted.
“The gripping, the grabbing, the posting, the pushing off, the strength, the snapping. All of the above was a little bit more difficult. I’m going to make sure I put myself in position to be successful. At the end of the day, I got to get that belt back. I’ve got to put myself in the best position.”
The injury prevents Woodley from making the swift return he’d hoped for, looking to bounce back after losing his title to Kamaru Usman at UFC 235. That loss brought the end to an admirable reign for ‘The Chosen One,’ first winning the belt against Robbie Lawler, his planned opponent in June. Woodley won via early knockout that night but it’s now unclear if these two will run it back after all.
As for Lawler, he’s still awaiting a replacement but based on social media, the UFC certainly isn’t without options.
