Woodley: I think I’ll fight Nate Diaz
Tyron Woodley: “At this point in my career, if it’s a fight that’s not for my belt, I’m willing to step out of the box and do some different things.”
Nate Diaz made millions splitting a pair of fights with UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor, and took a long break from the Octagon; he hasn’t fought since August of 2016. UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley underwent shoulder surgery, and took a relatively short break; he hasn’t fought since July of 2017. Now the pair appear headed towards a fight.
“I think that fight will happen,” said Woodley to ESPN Staff Writer Brett Okamoto. “I think it will happen this year. I think it’s way more likely than people realize. There are conversations about Nate and I fighting in July. The UFC has offered Nate that fight. They just have to make it worth his while.
“I think I’ll fight Nate this year, and I think it will be my return to the Octagon. If I had to bet the house on it, that’s my next opponent.”
Diaz will reportedly be ready to fight at UFC 222 on March 3, but Woodley underwent surgery in December and won’t put his belt on the line that soon. But a catchweight bout work.
“In four weeks? No. I wouldn’t fight him,” said Woodley. “If we’re fighting, I’m pretty sure it would have to be for my belt. Now, if they want me to fight him at a catchweight, not a title fight, I’m gonna have to drop to my knees and make a prayer to the most high for something like that.
“At this point in my career, if it’s a fight that’s not for my belt, I’m willing to step out of the box and do some different things.”
“Do I think Nate will fight me? Yes, for the right amount of money and the right time in history, I do. Is it a good fight for him? No. I’m a lot faster. I punch a lot harder. I can take him down. He’s not going to submit me. That said, it’s not a good fight for him. So, they have to make it up to him in dollars and cents.”
“I just want to do something that’s going to push me forward career-wise or push my legacy. I need both. I need super fights and I need to continue to knock off these rising contenders. I’ve been fighting the best of the best since Strikeforce. It’s not like I’m asking for anything that I haven’t paid my dues for. I had to earn this position the hard way.”
Make it happen Dana White!