UFC on ESPN+ 36 didn’t go as planned for Tyron Woodley or Donald Cerrone. Both stars added to their skids, causing Dana White to encourage them to hang it up for good.
The UFC President had this to say at the post-fight presser regarding Tyron Woodley’s future.
“I think that he should start thinking about hanging it up. He’s had a great career, he’s had a great run, he’s made money,” White concluded.
‘The Chosen One’ has been dominated in three straight bouts, including Saturday, and it’s fair to say he’s lost fifteen straight rounds. The former champ just hasn’t looked right since beating Darren Till in 2018 and it was more of the same versus Covington.
He let his hands go and moved forward a little more, but he had immense difficulty defending Covington’s take-downs. After being taken down he struggled to get back to his feet as well. As someone with such a high wrestling pedigree, it must have been very discouraging to be out-grappled to that extent.
The 38 year old has had a very successful MMA career to this point. He secured the welterweight strap after his explosive knockout of Robbie Lawler, and he defended such belt four times.
Woodley’s UFC tenure has been a tad strange though, as it seems he and the organization never had a great relationship. Despite having some highlight finishes, the Missouri native has had a tendency to be apart of “boring” fights.
Dana White may want Woodley to hang it up, but I’d be surprised if ‘The Chosen One’ wants to retire with such a bitter taste in his mouth.
Tyron Woodley was one of two fighters Dana White mentioned as it pertains to retirement. The other, Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone.
“I love ‘Cowboy’ and I know this is gonna f***ing crush him and break his heart, but it’s time to have a conversation with him,” White said after the event.
Cerrone, like Woodley, is in the midst of the worst stretch of his career. He’s been extremely active since 2019; the only problem is he’s (2-4-1) over that stretch.
To be fair to the future hall of famer, he’s looked good in his last two fights against Anthony Pettis and Niko Price. No one in their right mind is questioning whether or not ‘Cowboy’ can compete with talented UFC welterweights.
How much more can he gain from continuing to put his body on the line though? That’s likely why Dana White wants to have the retirement conversation.
UFC on ESPN+ 36 was one of the most hyped Fight Night cards in recent memory and it lived up to the hype by most accounts. Unfortunately, if Dana White had it his way we’ve seen the last of two UFC greats.
