UFC
Published 25 days ago
The shattered rise: Tyron Woodley between UFC fall and wrestling rebirth
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Tyron Woodley, former UFC welterweight champion, suffered a psychological fall after his loss to Kamaru Usman in 2019. After years of defeats in MMA and boxing, he attempted a transition to pro wrestling, securing a victory in 2026 before another setback.
To remember:
- Tyron Woodley loses his UFC welterweight title to Kamaru Usman in March 2019.
- The defeat marks the beginning of a deep crisis and a downward spiral for Woodley.
- Four consecutive losses in the UFC before his departure in 2021, with impacts on his personal life.
- Woodley secures a victory in pro wrestling in March 2026 against Joaquin Buckley at RAF 12.
- His submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev highlights the ongoing challenges of his reinvention.
Tyron Woodley, once nicknamed "The Chosen One", made history in the UFC by dominating the welterweight division with an impressive streak. In March 2019, his reign came to a brutal halt against Kamaru Usman, who took his title via unanimous decision. This fight, far more than just a loss, was a genuine shock to Woodley.
In a poignant interview, he revealed feeling deep humiliation, as if the whole world had finally gotten the chance to mock him. The months that followed were devastating: four consecutive losses in the UFC, a failed boxing attempt against Jake Paul, and personal issues worsened by excessive spending. Woodley would later admit he had hit rock bottom, both athletically and personally.
Reinvention: A Fresh Start or a Mirage?
After leaving the UFC in 2021, Woodley tried to reinvent himself. Pro wrestling became his new playground, a bold choice for a former MMA champion. In March 2026, he experienced a moment of glory by defeating Joaquin Buckley at RAF 12, a victory that seemed to restore some hope to his career. Yet, this resurgence was short-lived.A Brutal Reality Check
Less than six months later, Woodley suffered another defeat, this time against Khamzat Chimaev in Moscow. This fight, lost by submission, reminded everyone that the challenges of his reinvention were far from over. Despite his experience and fame, Woodley must now prove he can still shine, wherever that may be.Today, his journey remains a striking example of the highs and lows of a sports career. Between past glory and current uncertainties, Tyron Woodley continues to fight, no longer just to win, but to reclaim his place in the world of combat.
Tyron Woodley today embodies a sports trajectory defined by stark contrasts. Between the peak of his UFC reign and the trials of his reinvention, his story reminds us that resilience is often the final battle to be won.
Editor's Opinion
By Nakmen
Damn, Woodley—this is the story of a guy who thought his "Chosen One" title was carved in stone like a Batman tattoo on a Gotham villain. Kamaru Usman in 2019 was the hammer blow, but hey, even comic book heroes have their off days. After that, he went through failures like a tourist missing every landmark in Las Vegas.
Pro wrestling? Kind of like if Indiana Jones decided to play chess after losing his whip in Egypt. A win over Buckley in 2026 was his "Oh, what if I made a comeback?" moment, but Chimaev in 2023 was the reality check: even a former champion needs a coach to remind him that a submission is earned, not just talked about.
His journey is a bit like Jurassic Park: you think everything’s under control, but in the end, the dinosaurs (or the losses) always remind you who’s boss. He’s still fighting, and that’s something. But between you and me, a guy who lost four in a row in the UFC is like a movie hero who keeps messing up his rescue plans… he needs a villain to remind him of his level.