TLDR
- Tyron Woodley is planning content reunions with former opponents including Robbie Lawler and Stephen Thompson
- Woodley says Kamaru Usman did ‘goofy things outside of the fighting thing’ that prevent reconciliation
- The former champion recently collaborated with Dong Hyun Kim and wants to bring Carlos Condit to Korea
- Woodley hasn’t spoken to Lawler since their 2016 title fight but plans to reach out
- Woodley has upcoming RAF bouts scheduled against Joaquin Buckley and Khamzat Chimaev
Sources: yardbarker.com | bjpenn.com
Former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley is planning to reconnect with several of his past opponents, but says Kamaru Usman crossed a line that makes reconciliation impossible.
Woodley told Bowks Talking Bouts he wants to create content with ex-rivals including Robbie Lawler and Stephen Thompson. The announcement came after a successful collaboration with former opponent Dong Hyun Kim.
The former champion said he and Kim are hoping to bring Carlos Condit to Korea to discuss their past fights. “I want to do the same thing with Wonder Boy,” Woodley said.
Sharp Contrast Between Lawler and Usman
When asked about Usman, who took Woodley’s title in 2019, the tone of the conversation shifted dramatically. Woodley drew a clear line between his feelings toward Lawler, from whom he won the belt, and Usman, who took it from him.
The night Kamaru Usman announced himself to the world.🥊
He didn't just beat Tyron Woodley, he dominated him from start to finish to capture the UFC welterweight title and begin one of the division's greatest championship reigns.
Before #UFCOKC, relive the performance that… pic.twitter.com/RB5QEYypRy
— Gozman (@Gozman702) July 17, 2026
“People that I just really respected. Even Usman,” Woodley said. “Usman, it would be me doing what Robbie would need to do for that to happen.”
Woodley explained he doesn’t speak much to Usman anymore. “I don’t know, maybe not Usman,” he said. “Yeah, he did some goofy things outside of the fighting thing that I don’t really mess with.”
The former champion did not specify what actions by Usman led to the falling out. However, his comments made clear the issues went beyond their in-cage competition.
Woodley said he hasn’t spoken to Lawler since their 2016 title fight but plans to reach out soon. He described Lawler as someone his family loved and respected, making the title clash difficult despite the professional necessity.
“I haven’t spoken to Robbie since we fought. I keep saying it, but I haven’t done it,” Woodley said. “But I’m gonna reach out to him today.”
Content Plans With Former Rivals
Woodley expressed strong admiration for Lawler as both a fighter and person. “I was a big fan of Robbie. I love Robbie. My family love Robbie,” he said.
The former champion explained he had to fight Lawler when the opportunity came. “I had to go and fight him, man. I didn’t have a choice. When it’s a title on the line, you got to do what you got to do,” Woodley said.
Woodley recently posted content featuring his collaboration with Kim. He plans similar projects with Thompson, whom he fought twice during his title reign from 2016 to 2019.
The former champion mentioned he tried to film content with Thompson in London. However, their busy filming schedules prevented them from making it happen at that time.
“He was on first team and I was on second team. We filmed long, long hours together, but we didn’t have a lot of time to like break away and do that type of thing,” Woodley explained.
Woodley hopes to eventually sit down with Thompson. The two could discuss their preparation, thoughts about each other, and their two championship fights.
Woodley has RAF bouts scheduled against Joaquin Buckley and Khamzat Chimaev. The former champion continues to stay active in combat sports while pursuing these reconciliation projects with former opponents.
