Ignoring Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley’s callout for a big money fight against Georges St. Pierre or Nick Diaz, Dana White says Woodley will have to face the number two contender, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson instead.
In an interview with UFC.com, White said, “I think that Nate feels his brother should have the fight at 170, but Nick is not going to come back and fight for the title right away. There are other guys deserving of a title shot. Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson is going to fight for the 170-pound title and then we’ll see what happens with Nick and Nate.”
Dana White: Stephen Thompson Will Fight Tyron Woodley Next
Coming off an 18-month layoff, Woodley won the welterweight title at UFC 201 in Atlanta when he knocked out Robbie Lawler at 2:12 of the first round. After the fight, he didn’t waste any time making it known he wasn’t interested in a fight with Thompson. Woodley told Thompson and Fox Sports he would rather a big money fight with Nick Diaz or Georges St. Pierre and that Thompson should fight Lawler instead.
.@WonderboyMMA challenged @TWooodley on the @FS1 postfight show and got SHUT DOWN. #UFC201
CC: @NickDiaz209 https://t.co/OgZWuDghBh
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) July 31, 2016
Georges St. Pierre hasn’t fought since narrowly beating Johny Hendricks with a split decision victory in 2013. Although, he is reportedly in contract negotiations for a return. Nick Diaz just came off an 18-month suspension for marijuana use. It remains unclear whether St. Pierre will even return, and White has made it clear Diaz will have to earn his way back to a title shot.
Meanwhile, during Woodley’s, St. Pierre’s, and Diaz’ layoffs, Thompson was busy smashing his way through the Welterweight division on his ascent to No. 2 contender status. He has racked up wins over Rory MacDonald, Johnny Hendricks, and Jake Ellenberger. Thompson was elated with Dana White’s announcement.
BOOYAH!!!!! Thank you Dana White! Thank you UFC! Extreme Thank you to all the fans that supported me and this… https://t.co/yE5EiemPjy
— “Wonderboy” Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) August 12, 2016
Woodley, who has made it abundantly clear he wants a big payday, not so much.
Funny how there is an official fight announced and I 1) Havent spoken to anyone 2) Agreed on opponent or date 3) Signed a bout agreement. 😭😭
— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) August 12, 2016
The date for the fight hasn’t been set. We’ll keep you posted.
Main Photo
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 06: Stephen Thompson celebrates after defeating Johny Hendricks by TKO during the UFC Fight Night event inside MGM Grand Garden Arena on February 6, 2016 in Las Vegas Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
