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Tyron Woodley
Tyron Woodley.png
Woodley in 2016
Born Tyron Lakent Woodley
(1982-04-07) April 7, 1982 (age 43)
Ferguson, Missouri, U.S.
Nickname(s) The Chosen One
Height 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Weight 170 lb (77 kg; 12 st)
Division Welterweight (MMA)
Cruiserweight (boxing)
Stance Orthodox
Fighting out of St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Team Roufusport
American Top Team
ATT Evolution
Rank Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Din Thomas
Wrestling NCAA Division I Wrestling
Years active 2006–2021 (MMA)
2021 (boxing)
Professional boxing record
Total 2
Wins 0
Losses 2
By knockout 1
Mixed martial arts record
Total 27
Wins 19
By knockout 7
By submission 5
By decision 7
Losses 7
By knockout 2
By submission 1
By decision 4
Draws 1
Amateur record
Total 7
Wins 7
Losses 0
Other information
University University of Missouri
Medal record
Collegiate Wrestling
Representing the Missouri Tigers
Big 12 Championships
Gold 2003 Columbia 165 lb

Tyron Lakent Woodley (born April 7, 1982) is an American professional fighter. He is known for his skills in mixed martial arts (MMA) and professional boxing. Tyron Woodley was once the UFC Welterweight Champion. He successfully defended his title four times.

Woodley started his professional fighting career in 2009. He also competed in Strikeforce. Before MMA, he was a top collegiate wrestler for the Missouri Tigers. He earned the title of a two-time All-American and a Big 12 Conference champion.

Tyron Woodley's Early Life and Education

Tyron Woodley was born and grew up in Ferguson, Missouri. He was one of thirteen children. His mother raised him after his father left when he was young.

In high school, Tyron was a talented athlete. He played American football and was a great wrestler. In 2000, he won the Missouri 4A Men’s State Championship in wrestling.

After high school, Woodley went to the University of Missouri in 2000. He joined their wrestling team. He became an All-American wrestler twice, in 2003 and 2005. In 2005, he graduated with a degree in Agricultural Economics.

Tyron Woodley's Mixed Martial Arts Career

Tyron Woodley had his first professional MMA fight on February 7, 2009. He fought Steve Schnider in Columbia, Missouri. Woodley won the fight by submission in the first round.

His second professional fight was on April 30, 2009, against Jeff Carstens. He also won this fight by submission in the first round.

Fighting in Strikeforce

Woodley joined Strikeforce for the first time on June 6, 2009. He fought Sal Woods in St. Louis, Missouri. Woodley won by submission in the first round. After this win, Strikeforce signed him to a six-fight contract.

He continued to win in Strikeforce. He defeated Zach Light and Rudy Bears by submission. He also won against Nathan Coy and Tarec Saffiedine by decision. In October 2010, he knocked out André Galvão.

Woodley then fought Paul Daley and Jordan Mein, winning both fights by decision. His first loss in MMA was on July 14, 2012. He fought Nate Marquardt for the Strikeforce Welterweight Championship. Marquardt won by knockout in the fourth round.

Joining the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)

First Fights in the UFC

Tyron Woodley made his UFC debut on February 2, 2013, at UFC 156. He stepped in to fight Jay Hieron. Woodley won by knockout in just 36 seconds of the first round.

He then faced Jake Shields on June 15, 2013, at UFC 161. Woodley lost this fight by a split decision.

On November 16, 2013, Woodley fought Josh Koscheck at UFC 167. He won by knockout in the first round. This win also earned him a Knockout of the Night bonus.

Woodley's next fight was against Carlos Condit at UFC 171. Woodley won when Condit got a knee injury in the second round.

In 2014, Woodley signed a new eight-fight contract with the UFC. He fought Rory MacDonald at UFC 174 and lost by unanimous decision.

On August 23, 2014, Woodley fought Dong Hyun Kim at UFC Fight Night 48. He won by TKO early in the first round. This earned him his first Performance of the Night bonus.

Woodley faced Kelvin Gastelum on January 31, 2015, at UFC 183. He won the fight by split decision.

Becoming UFC Welterweight Champion

Tyron Woodley fought for the welterweight title against Robbie Lawler on July 30, 2016, at UFC 201. He won the fight by knockout in the first round. This made him the UFC Welterweight Champion. He also received the Performance of the Night award.

Woodley defended his title for the first time against Stephen Thompson on November 12, 2016, at UFC 205. The fight ended in a majority draw. Both fighters earned Fight of the Night bonuses.

They had a rematch on March 4, 2017, at UFC 209. Woodley won this close fight by majority decision, keeping his title.

For his third title defense, Woodley fought Demian Maia on July 29, 2017, at UFC 214. He won by unanimous decision. After the fight, Woodley said he had injured his shoulder.

Woodley defended his title again against Darren Till on September 8, 2018, at UFC 228. He won by submission in the second round. This earned him another Performance of the Night award. After this win, he received his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. This was also Till's first loss in MMA.

In his fifth title defense, Woodley faced Kamaru Usman on March 2, 2019, at UFC 235. Woodley lost by unanimous decision. This ended his nearly three-year reign as champion.

Later UFC Fights

Woodley was supposed to have a rematch with Robbie Lawler in June 2019. However, Woodley had a hand injury and had to pull out of the fight.

He was also scheduled to fight Leon Edwards in March 2020. This fight was postponed due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Woodley then faced Gilbert Burns on May 30, 2020. He lost this fight by unanimous decision.

On September 19, 2020, Woodley fought Colby Covington. Woodley lost by TKO in the fifth round due to a rib injury.

His last UFC fight was against Vicente Luque on March 27, 2021, at UFC 260. Woodley lost by submission in the first round. This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award. After this fight, Woodley's contract with the UFC ended.

In December 2024, it was announced that Woodley signed with the Global Fight League.

Tyron Woodley's Professional Boxing Career

Fights Against Jake Paul

Tyron Woodley made his professional boxing debut against internet personality Jake Paul on August 29, 2021. Woodley was the first person to take Paul past the second round in his career. However, Woodley lost the fight by split decision. One judge scored it for Woodley, but two judges scored it for Paul.

Woodley had a rematch with Jake Paul on December 18, 2021. He stepped in to replace another fighter. Woodley was knocked out by Paul in the sixth round.

Other Activities and Interests

Tyron Woodley has also worked as an actor. He has appeared in several movies, including Straight Outta Compton, Kickboxer: Vengeance, and Sultan. He was also in Escape Plan 2: Hades.

More recently, Woodley appeared in Season 5 of the Netflix show Cobra Kai. He also appeared in an episode of the Netflix show S.W.A.T._(2017_TV_series).

Besides acting, Woodley hosts a podcast called "Morning Wood with Deez Nutz." He also has a weekly online show on TMZ called "The Hollywood Beatdown."

Tyron Woodley's Personal Life

Tyron Woodley has four children. He hopes to open a non-profit center for troubled young people in the future. When his hometown of Ferguson, Missouri had civil unrest, Woodley spoke out against the rioting.

Achievements and Awards

Mixed Martial Arts Awards

  • Ultimate Fighting Championship
    • UFC Welterweight Championship (One time)
      • He defended his title four times.
    • Knockout of the Night (One time) against Josh Koscheck
    • Performance of the Night (Three times) against Dong Hyun Kim, Robbie Lawler, and Darren Till
    • Fight of the Night (Two times) against Stephen Thompson (first fight) and Vicente Luque
  • Strikeforce
    • 2010 Rising Star of the Year

Wrestling Awards

Mixed Martial Arts Record

Professional record breakdown
27 matches 19 wins 7 losses
By knockout 7 2
By submission 5 1
By decision 7 4
Draws 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 19–7–1 Vicente Luque Submission (brabo choke) UFC 260 March 27, 2021 1 3:56 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night.
Loss 19–6–1 Colby Covington TKO (rib injury) UFC Fight Night: Covington vs. Woodley September 19, 2020 5 1:19 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 19–5–1 Gilbert Burns Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Woodley vs. Burns May 30, 2020 5 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 19–4–1 Kamaru Usman Decision (unanimous) UFC 235 March 2, 2019 5 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Lost the UFC Welterweight Championship.
Win 19–3–1 Darren Till Submission (D’Arce choke) UFC 228 September 8, 2018 2 4:19 Dallas, Texas, United States Defended the UFC Welterweight Championship. Performance of the Night.
Win 18–3–1 Demian Maia Decision (unanimous) UFC 214 July 29, 2017 5 5:00 Anaheim, California, United States Defended the UFC Welterweight Championship.
Win 17–3–1 Stephen Thompson Decision (majority) UFC 209 March 4, 2017 5 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Defended the UFC Welterweight Championship.
Draw 16–3–1 Stephen Thompson Draw (majority) UFC 205 November 12, 2016 5 5:00 New York City, New York, United States Retained the UFC Welterweight Championship. Fight of the Night.
Win 16–3 Robbie Lawler KO (punches) UFC 201 July 30, 2016 1 2:12 Atlanta, Georgia, United States Won the UFC Welterweight Championship. Performance of the Night.
Win 15–3 Kelvin Gastelum Decision (split) UFC 183 January 31, 2015 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Catchweight (180 lb) bout; Gastelum missed weight.
Win 14–3 Dong Hyun Kim TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs. Le August 23, 2014 1 1:01 Macau, SAR, China Performance of the Night.
Loss 13–3 Rory MacDonald Decision (unanimous) UFC 174 June 14, 2014 3 5:00 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Win 13–2 Carlos Condit TKO (leg kick) UFC 171 March 15, 2014 2 2:00 Dallas, Texas, United States
Win 12–2 Josh Koscheck KO (punches) UFC 167 November 16, 2013 1 4:38 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Knockout of the Night.
Loss 11–2 Jake Shields Decision (split) UFC 161 June 15, 2013 3 5:00 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Win 11–1 Jay Hieron KO (punches) UFC 156 February 2, 2013 1 0:36 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 10–1 Nate Marquardt KO (elbows and punches) Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Kennedy July 14, 2012 4 1:39 Portland, Oregon, United States For the vacant Strikeforce Welterweight Championship.
Win 10–0 Jordan Mein Decision (split) Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Jardine January 7, 2012 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 9–0 Paul Daley Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson July 30, 2011 3 5:00 Hoffman Estates, Illinois, United States
Win 8–0 Tarec Saffiedine Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce Challengers: Woodley vs. Saffiedine January 7, 2011 3 5:00 Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Win 7–0 André Galvão KO (punches) Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Noons II October 9, 2010 1 1:48 San Jose, California, United States
Win 6–0 Nathan Coy Decision (split) Strikeforce Challengers: Lindland vs. Casey May 21, 2010 3 5:00 Portland, Oregon, United States
Win 5–0 Rudy Bears Submission (arm-triangle choke) Strikeforce Challengers: Woodley vs. Bears November 20, 2009 1 2:52 Kansas City, Kansas, United States
Win 4–0 Zach Light Submission (armbar) Strikeforce Challengers: Kennedy vs. Cummings September 25, 2009 2 3:38 Bixby, Oklahoma, United States
Win 3–0 Salvador Woods Submission (brabo choke) Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields June 6, 2009 1 4:20 St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Win 2–0 Jeff Carstens Submission (rear-naked choke) Respect Is Earned: Brotherly Love Brawl April 30, 2009 1 0:48 Oaks, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 1–0 Steve Schnider TKO (submission to punches) Headhunter Productions: The Patriot Act 1 February 7, 2009 1 1:09 Columbia, Missouri, United States

Professional Boxing Record

Professional record summary
2 fights 0 wins 2 losses
By knockout 0 1
By decision 0 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
2 Loss 0–2 Jake Paul KO 6 (8) 2:12 Dec 18, 2021 Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida, U.S.
1 Loss 0–1 Jake Paul SD 8 Aug 29, 2021 Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.

Pay-Per-View Events

MMA Pay-Per-View Buys

No. Event Fight Date Venue City PPV Buys
1 UFC 201 Lawler vs Woodley July 30, 2016 Philips Arena Atlanta, Georgia, United States 240,000
2 UFC 209 Woodley vs Thompson 2 March 4, 2017 T-Mobile Arena Las Vegas, Nevada, United States 300,000
3 UFC 228 Woodley vs Till September 8, 2018 American Airlines Center Dallas, Texas, United States 130,000
Total 670,000

Boxing Pay-Per-View Buys

No. Date Fight Billing Buys Network Revenue
1 August 29, 2021 Paul vs. Woodley N/A 500,000 Showtime $29,900,000
2 December 18, 2021 Paul vs. Woodley II Leave No Doubt 200,000 Showtime N/A
Total 700,000 $29,900,000

Film and TV Appearances

Film
Year Title Role Notes
2013 Fight Life Himself
2015 Straight Outta Compton T-Bone
2016 Sultan Tyron Wrestler
2016 Kickboxer: Vengeance Fighter
2016 The Evolution of Punk Himself Documentary mini-series; appeared in the final episode
2016 Breakout Skinhead
2017 Office Uprising Mario Post-Production
2017 The Favorite Nick Post-Production
2017 Escape Plan 2: Hades Akala
2020 ... City Loser
Television
Year Title Role Notes
2010 Bully Beatdown Himself Episode: "Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow"
2017 The Night Shift Travis Episode: "Do No Harm"
2019 Hawaii Five-0 Kalino (Gunman 1) Episode: "E'ao lu'au a kualima"

"Offer Young Taro Leaves to"

2022 Cobra Kai Sensei Odel 5 episodes
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