Former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley made waves in a recent podcast appearance, calling out fellow champions Israel Adesanya and Kamaru Usman for being “conveniently African” when it suits them.
Speaking on Mike Perry’s “Overdogs” podcast, Woodley didn’t mince words about the two Nigerian-born fighters:
“I don’t like guys that are fake,” Woodley said. “Izzy and Usman are conveniently African. They were never African until I beat Usman.”
Woodley elaborated that neither star prominently highlighted their African heritage earlier in their careers. He noted that Usman went by “Marty from Nebraska” in college wrestling, while Adesanya was known for his anime fandom and dancing in New Zealand.
“When it became convenient, then they raised up the whole continent,” Woodley said. “I thought that was corny.”
The outspoken former champ contrasted Adesanya and Usman with fighters like Francis Ngannou and Sadiq Yusuff, who he feels have more authentically represented their African roots throughout their careers.
Woodley also touched on his own fight with Usman, revealing that Usman had texted him after their bout acknowledging “I know it wasn’t you” and expressing interest in a rematch. However, Woodley claims the UFC was not interested in booking a second fight between them.
Tyron Woodley explains why he wrote a Dana White Diss Track and how FOX cut his mic
Former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley also shed light on the origins of his contentious relationship with UFC CEO Dana White and the unexpected musical turn it took.
Woodley recounted a pivotal moment following his victory over Demian Maia at UFC 214. Despite nursing a torn labrum, he agreed to White and Hunter Campbell’s proposal to defend his title against Nate Diaz, who was competing in the lightweight division at the time.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn when Woodley publicly announced the matchup. To his surprise, White swiftly denied any plans for such a bout, leaving “The Chosen One” feeling betrayed and embarrassed.
“Why would you make me look foolish on air when you just asked me to face this opponent?” Woodley expressed, his frustration palpable even years later.
The incident sparked a creative response from Woodley. Unable to confront White directly, he channeled his anger into music, penning a diss track titled “I Beat Your A**.” The song, while not explicitly naming White, was unmistakably aimed at the UFC head.
“I wrote that song because that was my way of expressing myself,” Woodley explained. He revealed that attempts to address the issue through conventional means were thwarted, with Fox allegedly cutting his microphone during broadcasts and instructing him not to speak on the matter.
This musical retaliation marked a significant escalation in the already strained relationship between Woodley and White. The UFC CEO had been critical of Woodley’s style, even after victories, which reportedly cost the star a chance to face Georges St-Pierre.
Woodley’s tenure with the UFC came to an end in March 2021, following a challenging period of four consecutive losses. Prior to this downturn, he had enjoyed a remarkable seven-fight unbeaten streak, successfully defending the welterweight title four times.
