Former UFC champion claims he'll make 'MMA boxing money' with GFL

Woodley was the UFC welterweight champion and is currently retired from MMA. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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Tyron woodley became one of the first fighters to sign with the GFL, a new MMA organization that promises to revolutionize the sport next year. The former UFC welterweight champion expressed his excitement about returning to the sport and emphasized his commitment to the league, which he said is paying 'boxing money in MMA.'

In an interview with The Ariel Helwani Show, Woodley explained that he is fully committed to the GFL because the organization offers a significant payout. The former champion noted that many fighters have reached out to confirm their membership because they know he only participates in high-quality projects.

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“I’m all in with the GFL. I’ve had a lot of people call me and ask if I’m really signed because they know I wouldn’t get involved in something that’s a dud. I’m not going to be a part of anything that doesn’t pay me extremely well or give me a platform to build my brand. Everyone that’s signed, probably 90 percent, has called me to make sure I’m in. The veterans are getting paid, man. Getting paid for boxing in MMA is a huge perk, and I’m just excited to be a part of this new wave,” Woodley said.

Despite taking a break from MMA for a while, Woodley says he has always felt a connection to the sport. The former UFC champion noted that the contract offered by GFL was an attractive opportunity, both financially and in terms of timing, which motivated him to return.

“I wanted to get back into MMA. I really kind of put it on hold. I kind of disappeared for a while, but MMA never really left me when I needed it. This was a good opportunity. It had a touch of Ric Flair with the pay, and it made sense for me,” concluded the former champion.

Tyron woodley left the UFC on a four-fight losing streak, but his signing with the GFL marks a new beginning in his career. The American joins a roster that includes notable names such as Wanderlei Silva, Junior Gypsy, Fabricio Werdum, among other former champions.