Jorge Masvidal has a ton of buzz behind him right now for a title shot, due to his electrifying win at UFC 239. Colby Covington and Robbie Lawler have the opportunity to do the same on August 3rd. But, that doesn’t mean Tyron Woodley’s abandoned his drive to lock up a rematch with Kamaru Usman.

Leading up to UFC 239, the consensus was that the winner of the Ben Askren – Masvidal bout could be in a strong position for a shot at the welterweight crown. As you know, Masvidal is sitting in a pretty sweet spot right, as a result of his 5 second KO of Askren. Since Covington and Lawler are also fighting right around the corner, however, the winner of that bout could also secure a title shot.

Well, Woodley attended the ESPYs this week, and while talking to ESPN, the former champ had this to say about the title shot picture at 170 (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“I think it’s so weird right now. Colby fighting Robbie is weird – even me fighting Robbie again was kind of weird,” Woodley said. “I think me and Usman should run it back. . .

“I think the fact that he’s injured, the fact that people are getting tired of Colby sitting around – he hasn’t fought since June of last year and he’s trying to call his shots from a sh*t camera phone – I think it’s real important that people get a moment to sit back and think,” Woodley said. “Tyron beat all the best welterweights, in their prime, the number one contenders, defended his title four times, took out Robbie Lawler in a fraction of a second – which is historical – and he loses a fight, has a bad night. I think if anybody else Joanna [Jedrzejczyk], Cody Garbrandt, Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm, anybody else, you see them in the title picture really quickly, so . . . The fans are kind speaking for me though.”

You can understand why Woodley feels this way, and he’s right that other champs have received immediate rematches. But, it’s just really hard to imagine Woodley getting his wish here.

Not only did Masvidal electrify MMA with his win on Saturday, this past March he did the same by bombing out Darren Till. While Covington has been inactive, he never lost the interim belt in the cage, he’s on a very impressive run and he has a rivalry with Usman. So, if “Chaos” can score a one sided win over Lawler, then his case for a title shot will have never been stronger.

So, barring injuries or some unforeseen set of circumstances, all signs point to Woodley fighting in a non-title bout next.

Woodley’s run as champion was ended by Usman in March, who worked his way to a clear cut, decision win at UFC 235.

 

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