Woodley pushing for fight in New York with GSP, not Diaz

After naming Nick Diaz in his preferred first title defense, Tyron Woodley has concocted a grander plan.

Following his knockout victory over Robbie Lawler at UFC 201 on Saturday, Woodley dismissed a still likely title match with top-ranked Stephen Thompson, asking for a bigger payday in Diaz or Georges Saint-Pierre instead. He elaborated in an interview with MMAjunkie on Monday.

Tabling the would-be financial implications, "T-Wood" was complimentary of Saint-Pierre, saying he could not claim to be the world's greatest welterweight without a victory over the division's most decorated fighter, especially now that GSP has expressed interest in the matchup.

The latest in a series of hints at a return to the sport is what shifted Woodley's focus from Diaz to Saint-Pierre, who hasn't fought since November 2013. The champ added that if the fight were to get booked, it would have to headline UFC 205 in the promotion's first ever card at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

"It sounds like Georges is down for the fight. We've just got to get some of the logistics figured out and get a date. It's probably going to be in November - I can't see them not having us fight as a main event in Madison Square Garden on Nov. 12."

With the New York event only four months away, getting Woodley his lofty wish is a tall order, since Saint-Pierre would first have to be thoroughly tested for drugs, unless the UFC exercises its right to waive the test under "exceptional circumstances." Now that Diaz's 18-month suspension is over, the champ's first callout is the more pragmatic fight.