Woodley wants MMA match against Jake Paul

Former UFC champion Tyron Woodley wants to be first in line to face Jake Paul if "The Problem Child" makes the move to mixed martial arts.

In an interview with TMZ Sports, Woodley explained how he makes the most sense as an MMA opponent for Paul given how well their last boxing match went.

"I think if you're gonna fight anyone in MMA, you fight me MMA," Woodley said. "I'm the one that did the numbers with you. I'm the one that did the millions and millions of views in the press conference. I'm the one that was a five-time champion. I'm the one who took the fight on two weeks' notice.

"I was doing 'Cobra Kai' for 14 hours straight. I trained at 3 a.m. and I saved that card. That card was not going to happen. People would not have been buying Christmas gifts had I not stepped up to the plate. So to talk about fighting anyone in MMA outside of me is disrespect."

The pair have squared off twice in the boxing ring - first in August 2021 and again in December 2021, with Paul winning both matches. Paul was originally set to face Tommy Fury in the second match, but Fury pulled out due to injury and was replaced by Woodley.

Paul, whose boxing record stands at 8-1, signed a multi-year contract with the Professional Fighters League earlier this year. He stated in April that he planned to make his MMA debut in either late 2023 or early 2024.