Woodley Rules Out Usman Reunion Over Past Conduct

Former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley wants to reconnect with several old opponents but says Kamaru Usman crossed a line that makes reconciliation unlikely.

Woodley told Bowks Talking Bouts he's planning content reunions with ex-rivals including Robbie Lawler and Stephen Thompson, following a successful collaboration with Dong Hyun Kim. The former champion said he and Kim are hoping to bring Carlos Condit to Korea to discuss their past fights. "I want to do the same thing with Wonder Boy," Woodley said, per the outlet.

Why Woodley Won't Reconnect With Former Champion

When the conversation turned to Usman, who took Woodley's title in 2019, the tone shifted. Woodley drew a sharp contrast between his feelings toward Lawler, from whom he won the belt, and Usman, who took it from him. "People that I just really respected. Even Usman," he said. "Usman, it would be me doing what Robbie would need to do for that to happen. I don't speak much to Usman and I feel like, I don't know, maybe not Usman. Yeah, he did some goofy things outside of the fighting thing that I don't really mess with."

Woodley said he hasn't spoken to Lawler since their 2016 title fight but plans to reach out. He described Lawler as someone his family loved and respected, making the title clash difficult despite the professional necessity.

The former champion recently posted content with Kim and is planning similar projects with Thompson, whom he fought twice during his title reign. Woodley has RAF bouts scheduled against Joaquin Buckley and Khamzat Chimaev.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Tyron Woodley eyes reunions with ex-UFC foes but “maybe not [Kamaru] Usman”: “He did some goofy things…that I don’t really mess with”