Woodley wants money fights with Nick Diaz or GSP, not 'Wonderboy'
If Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson is supposed to be next for Tyron Woodley, it's news to the newly crowned welterweight champion.
Speaking at a press conference following his blistering first-round KO of Robbie Lawler at UFC 201, Woodley barely said a word about Thompson, the presumptive No. 1 contender. Instead, he called for a fight with either the soon-to-be reinstated Nick Diaz or the rumored-to-be-returning Georges St-Pierre.
"I think Nick Diaz comes off suspension in two days, I would love to fight him on UFC 202," said Woodley. "I know his brother is fighting, I think (Nick) deserves it. He's a guy that's been around the sport, he's put a lot of butts in seats, sold a lot of pay-per-views, so why not put him on a big card with Conor (McGregor) and his brother?
"I know he's training already, let him cash out. I'm willing to give him that opportunity. Or I would like to fight Georges St-Pierre in New York City."
The UFC 202 card headlined by McGregor and Nate Diaz takes place in just 21 days in Las Vegas, while the promotion's New York card is planned for Nov. 12 at Madison Square Garden.
Things were already awkward at the UFC 201 post-fight show on FOX Sports 1 when Thompson - acting as a guest analyst - asked Woodley what was next for him after winning the title.
Thompson was ranked No. 1 in the official rankings heading into Saturday's event, but Woodley didn't sound thrilled about a duel with the popular kickboxer. Instead, he called for a bout with the soon to be reinstated Diaz, according to Shaheen Al-Shatti of MMA Fighting.
Diaz is a former Strikeforce welterweight champion who has had mixed results in the UFC, but is a proven needle mover. He has not competed since January 2015 after being suspended for testing positive for marijuana metabolites.
The suggestion didn't sit well with Thompson, who declared that he could beat either Woodley or Diaz if given the opportunity. Woodley had a reply for that too.
"You'll get your chance after I go make this money," stated the champ.
Thompson is currently on a seven-fight win streak that includes former UFC champion Johny Hendricks and top contender Rory MacDonald.