Former UFC champion Tyron Woodley criticized Dana White’s claim that Kamaru Usman is the greatest welterweight of all time, arguing that Usman’s reputation is more about staying in White’s favor than his achievements in the octagon, and expressing a desire for a rematch to prove his own capabilities.
Former UFC champ Tyron Woodley knows the fight game politics. So, Dana White calling Kamaru Usman the greatest welterweight ever? Not a shocker.
Before UFC 322, where Islam Makhachev snagged the 170-pound title, White hopped on Usman’s podcast. He dubbed Usman the GOAT. Cue the critics, though. Most folks still crown Georges St-Pierre as the top dog, thanks to his record nine title defenses.
Woodley, who defended his title four times before losing to Usman in 2019, isn’t buying the GOAT talk. “Kamaru isn’t the greatest,” he told MMA Fighting. “I had the realest reign, faced all the top contenders, and dealt with stuff behind the scenes.”
He added, “He’s not the greatest. He’s just the best at kissing ass.” Woodley believes Usman’s cozy relationship with White played a role in his unofficial GOAT status.
Usman did defend his title five times, with wins over Covington, Masvidal, and Burns. But Woodley argues White’s praise is more about Usman’s compliance than his accolades.
“He’s the one saying, ‘Let’s have Uncle Dana on my podcast,’” Woodley remarked. “He’s the biggest brown-noser in the welterweight division. But hey, he’s a good fighter.”
Woodley insists there’s no grudge against Usman, despite wishing for a rematch. He just can’t see Usman topping St-Pierre’s legacy. “He’s disciplined, but not the greatest,” Woodley said. “Mention him over Georges, and people stop listening.”
Reflecting on the era, Woodley ranks Georges first, Matt Hughes second. Himself and Usman? Tied for third. “I never got a rematch. They knew I’d win 9 out of 10 times.”
Woodley recalls a time when he mentored Usman. “He’d ask me for advice, and I’d guide him.” Things changed leading up to their 2019 fight.
“I’m not hating. Kamaru’s great,” Woodley said. “He was at my after-parties, asking about being a champ. I was like a big bro to him.”
Their relationship shifted, but Woodley holds no ill will. “We spoke briefly after our fight. He knows that wasn’t my best version.”
Now, Woodley’s gearing up for a boxing match against Anderson Silva on the Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua card. He hasn’t fought MMA since 2021 and isn’t sure if he’ll return.
“It’d take something special to get me back in the cage,” Woodley admitted. “I’m praying about it. Is it pride or God’s will?”
At 43, Woodley’s body isn’t what it used to be. “I’ve got to watch what I eat now. If I walked away from MMA, is that so bad?”
He’s focused on superfights. “Anderson Silva? I’m pumped. I’m ready to squish ‘The Spider.’ Not everyone can fire me up like that.”