This week, it was confirmed that Paul will face Woodley in a professional boxing bout on Showtime PPV on August 28. Paul has won all three of his boxing contests, including a knockout victory over Ben Askren in his most recent fight. Following that battle, there were whispers that he may fight Woodley, a longtime buddy and training partner of Askren’s, and the match was formally scheduled this week. It was made feasible since Woodley’s contract with the UFC had just expired after a stoppage loss to Vicente Luque, and the promotion had elected not to re-sign him.
Despite being a former UFC welterweight champion, Woodley has struggled in recent years, losing his previous four fights in a row. His most recent victory occurred in September 2018, when he submitted Darren Till. He’s lost since then to Kamaru Usman, Gilbert Burns, Colby Covington, and, most recently, Luque before his contract expired.
White reacted to the announcement of the impending Woodey vs. Paul fight on the “Real Quick with Mike Swick” podcast by stating that Woodley is past his prime.
“Tyron Woodley has punching power and obviously he’s put a lot of dudes to sleep in his career. Tyron Woodley doesn’t look like the Tyron Woodley of the past that was putting everybody to sleep. He hasn’t won a fight in three years, he’s going to be 40 years old. But I will give it to (Paul). At least he’s stepping in there with a guy who can punch,” White said.
When questioned why Paul is the betting favourite over the former UFC champion, White explained that Woodley is older and on the decline.
“It has to do with Woodley’s age, and he hasn’t won a fight in three years,” White said.
When asked to give a prediction for the fight, White said that he is taking Woodley by knockout, though he’s a bit hesitant given Woodley’s recent form.
“Listen, man. Woodley should knock him out. But again, the Tyron Woodley that you talk about that was the champ isn’t the same f*cking guy he was four years ago,” White said.
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