Tyron Woodley Fires Back at Dana White

Former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley isn’t buying Dana White’s recent proclamation that Kamaru Usman is the greatest welterweight of all time. In fact, Woodley believes the declaration has more to do with politics than performance.

During an appearance on Usman’s own podcast ahead of UFC 322, the UFC CEO surprised many fans by labeling Usman not Georges St-Pierre as the division’s GOAT. The backlash was immediate, and Woodley added fuel to the fire in an interview with MMA Fighting, calling the claim absurd and motivated by loyalty rather than legacy. Woodley didn’t mince words when discussing Usman’s place in history.

“Kamaru is not the greatest welterweight of all time,” Woodley said. “I had the realest route, the realest reign. I fought all the top contenders who weren’t trash talkers. I dealt with the most stuff behind the scenes and still managed to win.

“What he is, is the one who kissed the most ass.”

According to Woodley, Usman earned favoritism by staying in Dana White’s good graces taking short-notice fights, staying quiet about pay issues, and aligning himself as a company man.

“You do that long enough, you end up in that GOAT category they create for you. He’s a good fighter, but he’s the biggest brown-noser in the welterweight division.”

The Resume Debate: Usman vs. St-Pierre

Usman defended his title five times with wins over Colby Covington (twice), Jorge Masvidal (twice), and Gilbert Burns. It’s a strong résumé but Woodley insists it doesn’t touch St-Pierre’s era.

“Once you say he’s better than Georges St-Pierre, nobody even listens to you anymore,” Woodley said. “Georges is No. 1. Matt Hughes is No. 2. Me and Usman are tied for third.”

Woodley argues that GSP and Hughes dominated when MMA was still a specialist-driven sport wrestlers vs. strikers vs. grapplers making their achievements more impressive.

Woodley Says Usman Avoided a Rematch

While Covington, Masvidal, and Leon Edwards received multiple opportunities, Woodley says he was the lone champion denied a second shot.

“I never got a rematch because they knew nine out of 10 times, I’m winning that fight,” Woodley asserted.

“He fought a sh*t-hole version of me. I was going through so much in life, I don’t even remember the fight. Publicly, he never mentioned a rematch because he knows what time it is.”

Usman defeated Woodley in dominant fashion at UFC 235 in 2019 to capture the title. Woodley maintains the version Usman beat wasn’t representative of his peak.

A Complicated History: Mentor Turned Rival

Woodley revealed he once had a close relationship with Usman and even mentored him early in his career.

“He was at my after-parties asking me what it feels like to be champion,” Woodley said. “He’d ask how to handle the media, how to position himself. The flashy suits, analyst work, the Monster deal that all came from me.”

Woodley says the relationship soured during the UFC 235 buildup when he playfully roasted Usman in press conferences.

“I grew up in a family of 13 we roasted each other. That’s how I joke. But he looked up to me. When the person you admire is poking fun at you, it hurt him.”

Woodley’s Future: MMA Return Possible, But “It Has to Be Worth It”

Woodley now turns his attention to his boxing match against Anderson Silva on the Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua card on Dec. 19 in Miami.

While he hasn’t fought in MMA since 2021, Woodley says he hasn’t closed the door but it would take a special opportunity.

“I want to go back and finish with a bang, but I have to ask God if that’s pride or purpose,” he said. “At 43, my body ain’t 24 anymore.

“If I come back, it’s for superfights. I’m not gearing up for a title run. I’m fighting Anderson Silva that gets me pumped. Everybody can’t make me feel that way.”

Bottom Line

Tyron Woodley still respects Kamaru Usman as a fighter but when it comes to the welterweight GOAT debate, he’s standing firm:

Usman isn’t No. 1. He isn’t No. 2. And he only shares No. 3 because he beat Woodley on Woodley’s worst night.

For Woodley, St-Pierre remains untouchable  and no amount of UFC marketing will change that.

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Robert LaMar is a writer  for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26