Tyron Woodley could be weeks away from his UFC return.
According to Woodley’s boss, UFC president Dana White, the two parties are close to finalizing a main event bout for May 23. Friday, White revealed the discussions in an interview with ESPN.
“We’re working on a fight with (Woodley) right now,” White said. “After these three dates, we’re coming right back. We’re going to do four fights in 14 days. After May 9, the UFC schedule is back on. We’re back on and running. We’re looking at a fight for Woodley. Woodley will probably be the fourth fight. He’ll be the main event.”
Woodley (19-4-1 MMA, 11-4-1 UFC) has not competed since he lost his UFC welterweight title to current champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 235 in March 2019.
Prior to the global coronavirus pandemic, Woodley was scheduled to fight March 21 against Leon Edwards. The bout was supposed to be the main event of UFC on ESPN+ 29. However, Edwards withdrew from the bout and the card was eventually canceled during fight week.
The UFC event on May 23 hasn’t been officially finalized and no location or streaming information has been revealed.
Shortly after White’s interview, ESPN reported Woodley is close to signing on to fight fellow welterweight contender Gilbert Burns, who was briefly linked as a potential replacement opponent for Woodley on March 21.
Dana White: Tyron Woodley headliner probable for UFC's May 23 event