Issue 148

December 2016

Why Woodley vs. Wonderboy is the welterweight title match we wanted for UFC 205.

When it came to deciding who would be the first challenger for Tyron Woodley’s 170lb title, the discussion came down to two names.

Forget the champion’s ultimately futile attempts of securing big-money matchups, he was going to have to tussle with Stephen Thompson or Demian Maia first.

Ultimately, matchmaker Joe Silva and co. selected ‘Wonderboy’ to be ‘The Chosen One’s dance partner in New York City.

Many fans were disappointed the Brazilian didn’t get the first opportunity, but here are five reasons why it was the right move.

1: ONE STEP AHEAD

When you consider the conundrum from a pure numbers perspective, the American wins out. Thompson is the number-two contender with seven wins in a row, Maia is third with six.

For purists who swear by the UFC hierarchy, there was only one choice.

2: MURDERER'S ROW

If you’re not convinced by the stats, just look at the kickboxer’s last few wins. First, there was the double-spinning-kick action that made short work of Jake Ellenberger.

Then he pulverized former champion Johny Hendricks in less than four minutes.

Finally, he shut out Rory MacDonald for 25 minutes – the man that took former champ Robbie Lawler to the brink of defeat.

3: HOT STUFF

He’s got the manners of a well-brought-up South Carolina gentleman, but Thompson’s verbal swipes are building an interesting rivalry with Woodley.

The champ didn’t like it one bit when the challenger picked Lawler to beat him, and he really didn’t take kindly to accusations he was scared. Now he’s mad and fired up.

4: SUPER STYLIN'

We have a fascinating style matchup on our hands. The only time Thompson has been beaten, he was wrestled down and controlled on the ground.

Woodley has some explosive takedowns in his back pocket, but he seems to prefer using that power for punching.

No one has been able to outland Wonderboy in an MMA fight yet, but the American Top Team champion only needs to land one clean shot. It’s tough to call and we’ll all be on the edge of our seats when the door closes at MSG.

5: THE WAITING GAME

Maia said he’d hold out for a title shot after he beat Carlos Condit. Problem solved. Fans of the submission specialist’s suffocating ground game should still get to see him challenge in 2017.

*In the end Tyron Woodley came out on top.