UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley was last seen in action at UFC 228, defeating Darren Till by second round submission.
Dana White recently stated that the UFC Welterweight Division is ready to move on without Woodley, but Woodley wonders why other injured fighters are given a free pass and he isn?t.
?If you really listen to what was said (by Dana White), Robbie Lawler wouldn?t mind more time because his knee needs more time to recover,? Woodley said on Ariel Helwani?s MMA Show. ?That sounds like an exception and a pass given to Robbie Lawler. Rose Namajunas is not ready to fight because of her hurt neck. That sounds like a pass is given to her. I don?t know if I am misquoting what was said, but If I am saying it correctly, Robbie Lawler tore his knee up in a fight against ?RDA,? how long has that been? So it?s been a year, and I?ve had ACL surgery, labrum surgery and every time I have a major surgery that can take six to eight months to recover, I am being pressed to fight in four or five months. Or to not get the surgery at all and just tough it out.?
There is no word at this time as to when Woodley is expected to return, as the champion had hand surgery shortly after UFC 228.
Woodley also states that he was willing to fight UFC Interim Welterweight Champion Colby Covington at UFC 233 next month.
?I?ve agreed to fight Colby. I?ve agreed to fight really anybody ? that?s the funny part,? he said. ?I just asked for a little more time before I can confirm (my hand is cleared). I?ve never said no to Jan. 26. Let?s get that on record. I actually want to fight in Anaheim. I?m undefeated in Anaheim. I?ve got a lot of strong roots in California, so it would be silly for me not to want to fight there.?
The champion has defended the title four times since winning it at UFC 201, facing Stephen Thompson (twice), Demian Maia and Darren Till.